A Neighborhood Reimagined
/// THE VISION ///
A decade of revitalizing Cheyenne’s West Edge downtown district.
History runs deep
At one point in the not-so-distant past, Cheyenne, WY was the linchpin for western development. Believe it or not, this capital city used to be the largest city in the region (yes, even bigger than Denver), and at one point had a GDP larger than Paris, France.
The West Edge district of downtown Cheyenne was a key to the bustling city, and largely responsible for the creation and expansion of the front range of Colorado and Wyoming. Located on an old railspur and near the intersection of two major railroads pivotal to the U.S., there used to be a lot of life and energy in this part of town.
But that has changed through the years. Full of old-school brick buildings and rusted metal architecture, the West Edge district has come to feel like an abandoned and forgotten part of Cheyenne, rather than an epicenter. Buildings, with incredible potential, sit vacant for years.
Change is happening
As key areas in the region demonstrate, industrial and architectural reuse brings a unique value to cities that “demolition and build” approaches lack. The beauty and tone of past architecture brings a depth and unique opportunity to local and economic development—it’s a vision that business leaders and key stakeholders see. The private sector is responding as the public sector invests monies and removes zoning hurdles. This section of the city is breathing again.
Our vision
We wanted to be an active part in bringing life and light to this pivotal part of Cheyenne. We have always believed in bringing a powerful energy change to the West Edge—one that happens when a celebration of the arts and our community join teams.
In 2014, Edge Fest started as a passionate, humble musical event in an undeveloped building on the main drag of downtown Cheyenne. Bringing in talent from Lander, WY, we joined together to celebrate the music and the potential of this great building.
With such positive reception, the vision for Edge Fest grew and formalized as an annual outdoor music festival that would move around, highlighting the potential of the West Edge district, and always stay free to attendees as a gift to the city and music lovers. For a decade we fueled this effort, and together with the city and its residents enjoy the fruits of our labor.
A group that cares
We’re proud to be part of the individuals and groups that are working hard to bring change to the West Edge, and we’ve already seen a difference—thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. These people are the ones who walk the walk, put words into action, and put their money where their mouth is. We’re incredibly proud to be counted amongst them.