The City of Rawlins has entered into an Intent to Purchase the land known as the Lawrence Property. The acquisition will be funded through the Dangerous Buildings Fund, a dedicated account established to rehabilitate derelict and dangerous properties and return them to productive use. The Lawrence Property is centrally located and has excellent potential to be developed to meet community needs, including business and housing development.
This acquisition presents an opportunity to create a safe, usable space that enhances the community’s overall appearance and positively contributes to the city’s development. The City plans to acquire the property through the Dangerous Buildings Fund. Clean-up funds will be derived from selling salvageable scrap and recyclable materials on the property, the City's unique ability to obtain grants for this type of cleanup, and the Dangerous Buildings Fund. Based on current estimates, the city expects to recoup all costs, replenishing the Dangerous Buildings Fund for future revitalization projects. This account has sufficient funds to continue ongoing projects to abate dangerous conditions during this project.
“This is a rare opportunity to transform a highly visible property into a community asset,” City Manager Tom Sarvey added. “By freeing the site for new uses, we’re improving the safety and aesthetics of the area while creating a foundation for future community growth. Our vision is that this project creates a new development we can all take pride in.”
Although the City has long-term plans to revitalize the western entrance corridor through State and City Brownfield programs, this property presents a unique opportunity. While the City has discussed other properties for redevelopment, the initial purchase costs, paying off liens, property size and usability, and addressing dangerous buildings on those sites are currently out of reach. The Lawrence Property’s lack of mortgage involvement and the availability of salvageable materials make it a cost-effective choice for revitalization that will have an immediate positive impact.
Importantly, this is part of a larger initiative dedicated to community development, economic growth, and beautification. The City has two primary focuses within this initiative: 1) addressing dangerous and dilapidated properties for redevelopment and 2) creating a comprehensive beautification plan incorporating updated laws and enforcement.
The Dangerous Buildings Fund consists of cash reserves earmarked decades ago to rehabilitate derelict and dangerous properties. Notably, the Dangerous Building Fund is separate from the enterprise funds that provide the cash needed to operate the City’s water, sewer, landfill and recycling programs. The funds used to both acquire and clean up this property cannot be allocated to improve the water or sewer infrastructure, and the City is committed to using only funds from the Dangerous Buildings Fund for this project.
This property is located north of Skyline Motors and Fremont Motors and south of the Carbon County Fairgrounds. Portions of this property were burned during a fire on July 5, 2024. The general location of the property on the accompanying map and encompasses approximately 12.52 acres.
Financial reports are available to the public online at www.rawlinswy.gov/reports. The Council approves all expenditures, which can be viewed at www.rawlinswy.gov/boarddocs.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”
