Hynds Building Sparks Disagreement Between City and Developer

An Urban Renewal Authority plan for blighted buildings recently included the Hynds building, which is more than 100 years old. However, David Hatch, the current owner of the Hynds, is concerned to find his property included on the list.

Despite recent offers from the Downtown Development Authority, Hatch claims he the offer price of $1.5 million cash in addition to a $1 million note is in need of different terms. Additionally, Hatch explains in an e-mail to the city, “Imagine trying to market the Hynds now that it has been labeled as a slum and is under a threat of condemnation. I respectfully ask that my prospects as an owner not be injured any further.”

Mayor Patrick Collins has explained that Hatch was informed in an April 28 phone call that the City was expanding the URA to include both the Hynds Building and the Hole, which sits next to the Hynds and resulted from a 2004 fire that destroyed Mary’s Bake Shoppe. This grouping of the two properties is part of Hatch’s dispute. Hatch claims in his email that the Hynds and the Hole “are two very distinct properties, and lumping them together is a power grab by the city.”

Collins responded in an interview with the Wyoming Tribune that the two properties are “inextricably connected,” adding that he doesn’t think the Hynds can be developed without at least part of the Hole.

For more on this story, visit the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Why it Matters

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce has the responsibility to help navigate the economic climate by taking into consideration all of the critical components of Laramie County’s Economic Development. We strive to position our businesses to compete in the global market and our business community is poised for ongoing success because of this expectation.

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Story by J. Elizabeth Bennett

Elizabeth Bennett serves the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Marketing and Communications. She is passionate about working with the diverse communities in Cheyenne and creating accessible communications material that engages our chamber members.