(Shoshoni, WY) – Shoshoni Town Hall is for sale, and city leaders are looking for a buyer who will promote economic development.
“It’s not necessarily the highest bidder (who) will get it,” Shoshoni Mayor Joel Highsmith said during a council meeting Tuesday. “It’s the combination of some money and something for economic development that will help our town. …
“We’re hoping people will come with good ideas.”
He suggested a malt shop, motel, café, movie theater, or bowling alley might serve the location well.
“We are asking people to give us a proposal, make us an offer, come with a business plan,” Highsmith said. “Come up with an idea, and we’ll try to evaluate it.”
The city hasn’t set a deadline for proposals, but Highsmith said they will accept bids for several months – or longer, “until we get a good idea that makes sense.”
Commercial lots
The city is also looking for economic development ideas for a property on the corner of Idaho and Fifth street, Highsmith said.
“We have six commercial lots and a shop there,” he said. “Again, we’re looking for ideas (and) options. If someone’s got an idea for what they’d like to do there – start a business – it’s open, and we’re looking for suggestions. …
“We’re trying to get people to move here and get a business going.”
Highest bidder
Another property – about three acres just west of town and south of the highway – will go to the highest bidder, regardless of planned use, Highsmith said.
He anticipates that the bid opening for that property will occur toward the end of May after being advertised according to statute.
The realtor for all three properties is Dave Parker with Sun Realty in Riverton.
“Anybody that’s interested, get a hold of Dave,” Highsmith said. “He’s got the information on all the properties.”
New Town Hall
Town clerk Chris Konija said Shoshoni is moving its Town Hall operations – including its administrative offices, the police department, the library, the court, and public works – to the former school administration building in the 300 block of Idaho street.
“We have the architectural drawings ready and will be soliciting bids in the next few weeks for construction,” he said.
The local fire hall is not part of the sale, Highsmith said.