Fremont Electric installs upgraded light fixtures as apart of Phase 1 of the LED lighting upgrade project in the Civic Center’s South Gym. The South Gym hosts Open Gym and the Play Library as a free space for Laramie families to gather in the open space adjacent to Sunshine Coffee five days a week.
The Laramie Plains Civic Center (LPCC) is pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of its LED lighting upgrade project. This milestone was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including a $15,000 grant from the Albany County Recreation Board (ACRB) and Rocky Mountain Power’s energy efficiency incentives. These funds enabled LPCC to modernize lighting in the North and South Gyms, as well as shared spaces such as stairwells and restrooms.
The historic building that has served as a cornerstone for community events and programs for decades, is committed to preserving its legacy while embracing modern energy-efficient solutions. By upgrading to LED lighting, LPCC not only reduces its environmental footprint but also ensures the building’s future as a vibrant, sustainable space for local tenants, organizations, and residents.
Technicians from Mechanical Systems Inc. guide pieces of a new boiler system into the basement boiler room by way of the historic building’s coal shoot. The original portion of the Civic Center, built in 1878, was formerly Eastside School, the territory’s first brick school house predating Wyoming’s statehood and the University of Wyoming.
“These upgrades are a critical investment in the long-term sustainability of the Civic Center,” said Jessica Brauer, Executive Director of LPCC. “The utility costs for our large building are substantial, and these improvements will significantly reduce that burden and allow us to continue to keep our spaces accessible for the community.”
The newly installed LED fixtures are a part of a building-wide upgrade plan that projects to improve the facility’s lighting quality while reducing energy use by an estimated 60%, according to ROI Energy, Rocky Mountain Power’s contracted partner for efficiency upgrades. In addition to lowering energy consumption, the upgrades extend the lifespan of the lighting system, decreasing maintenance costs and improving reliability.
LPCC is committed to broader sustainability efforts beyond lighting improvements. Other ongoing energy efficiency projects include heating system enhancements, window upgrades, and water conservation measures. To further these sustainability goals, LPCC secured a $25,000 Wyoming Energy Authority Grant last winter. The grant will support additional energy efficiency projects based on the findings of a recently completed Level 2 Energy Audit by Iconergy of Denver, CO. This audit assessed potential energy savings and identified key facility improvements, including the replacement of the building’s aging boilers. Thanks to a generous donation from local philanthropist John Evans, one boiler replacement is already underway, with installation expected to be completed by mid-April.
With Phase 1 of the LED project now complete, LPCC continues to seek funding to expand these critical upgrades throughout the entire facility. Additional improvements will replace lighting fixtures in tenant spaces, hallways, and gathering areas—further reducing energy costs and enhancing the experience for all who use the Civic Center.
Organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in supporting the next phase of LPCC’s energy efficiency efforts are encouraged to reach out for partnership opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Brauer
Executive Director, Laramie Plains Civic Center
(307) 745-8000 ext. 101
jbrauer@lpccwy.org
Engineers work with Civic Center staff in a building at asbestos and lead paint identification as part of the Wyoming Department of Quality’s Brownfield Assistance Program. This program helps investigate, clean up, and reuse brownfield properties, which are often demolished or abandoned to become community eyesores.
