Cheyenne Approves Emergency Repairs for Historic Pumphouse
The city has awarded a $1.36 million contract to stabilize the building following a destructive fire earlier this year.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in City Hall
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Cheyenne city officials have authorized a $1,365,402 emergency contract with Legacy Construction to repair the fire-damaged Historic Pumphouse. The move aims to stabilize the structure ahead of the winter season.
Why it matters
The emergency procurement ensures the integrity of the historic site after a May fire left the building vulnerable to seasonal weather. Without immediate intervention, the necessary construction could have extended well into next year.
The city approved the $1,365,402 emergency contract to address structural damage estimated between $200,000 and $500,000. This follows an earlier design contract worth $198,903 awarded in February 2026.
The players
Legacy Construction
This firm was selected as the contractor to perform the structural repairs and asbestos removal at the site.
Cristophe Carabajal
He was found guilty of misdemeanor criminal trespass in connection with the fire at the Historic Pumphouse.
TDSi
This firm was previously awarded a $198,903 contract in February 2026 to handle the design and renovation of the building.
The details
Legacy Construction will remove the damaged roof, asbestos, soffits, and fascia while installing new interior load-bearing walls and a roof system. This work follows a separate legal outcome where Cristophe Carabajal received a 98-day jail sentence for misdemeanor criminal trespass related to the incident.
Timeline
February 2026: The city approved a design contract with TDSi.
May 17, 2026: A fire destroyed the roof of the Historic Pumphouse.
August 31, 2026: Cristophe Carabajal was sentenced for criminal trespass.
October 26, 2026: The emergency repair contract was approved.
January 2027: Potential project completion date for the repairs.
Political Context
The city invoked its emergency procurement ordinance to expedite the construction process and bypass standard bidding timelines. This action faced scrutiny regarding the balance between rapid stabilization and the use of taxpayer funds for property restoration.
The emergency contract avoids the need for longer-term construction that could have dragged on through the winter months. Residents can expect the restoration efforts to begin immediately to prevent further decay of the city-owned site.
The takeaway
The city prioritization of the Historic Pumphouse underscores the high cost of emergency construction compared to planned renovation. Residents should note that early reporting of building security issues can prevent significant municipal expenditures.
What happens next
Project completion for the emergency stabilization is currently targeted for January 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on local government decisions, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cap City News.
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