The Transformation of Cheyenne, Wyoming
My hometown has always been mostly white and defined by conservative, cowboy values. Now, gentrification has made it unaffordable—but it’s also brought much-needed diversity.
My hometown has always been mostly white and defined by conservative, cowboy values. Now, gentrification has made it unaffordable—but it’s also brought much-needed diversity.
This story is part of our annual look at the state of American design. This year, we’re highlighting work that shines through an acrimonious moment—and makes the case for optimism.
I grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the 1990s, when there was a lack of activities to entertain a teen, aside from playing sports and drinking Boone’s Farm—one of which I may have enjoyed. Wyoming is the least populated state in the United States, but the 10th largest in landmass; we had a lot of room but not a whole lot to do.
Returning to Cheyenne now is a trip: A town often described (by myself and my cousins) as "Podunk" has seen an influx of new, cool businesses. The Lincoln theater, a 1928 movie house where I used to make out with boys during $3 films, has become a 1,250-capacity concert venue. The gas station that sold me cigarettes underage is gone, but now there’s a rock and roll–themed convenience store opened by new transplant Ivan Moody, of the metal band Five Finger Death Punch. The rowdy Cowboy Bar is toast, but in its absence four microbreweries have popped up.
See the full story on Dwell.com: The Transformation of Cheyenne, Wyoming
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