CHEYENNE — Renovation work is continuing at the Historic Atlas Theatre as crews address long-standing structural issues, though an opening date for early 2026 productions is not yet guaranteed.
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Reiman Corp. has been working on the project since Aug. 11, focusing primarily on stabilizing the building’s lobby. While the auditorium and balcony have remained untouched during this phase, the structural integrity of the main-floor lobby has been the central concern.
Cheyenne Little Theatre Players and Friends of the Atlas officials remain hopeful the work will be completed in time for CLTP’s February production of “Almost, Maine,” though they acknowledge delays are still possible.
According to CLTP board president Travis Kirchhefer, the repairs became urgent after crews discovered the lobby ceiling had begun to “settle,” concaving by approximately two inches. Addressing that issue prompted the current phase of construction.
In a news release issued when the renovation was first announced, Kirchhefer said, “The Cheyenne Little Theatre Players bought the Historic Atlas Theatre 54 years ago to be the permanent home of the Old-Fashioned Melodrama, and we’ve been discussing renovations for three decades. While it’s hard to pause performances, this work is essential. ... We can’t wait another 30 years.”
The current work is part of phase four of a seven-phase renovation plan led by Friends of the Atlas, an ad hoc committee formed in 2017 to oversee restoration and preservation efforts. The group focuses on fundraising, grant procurement and contract management while reporting to the CLTP board.
Phase four is less about cosmetic updates and more about structural rehabilitation. Preliminary work began as early as June, with major construction starting in August.
“The first thing we did was open up the floors so we could see what the support structure was underneath,” Kirchhefer said. “And what we learned through that process was that the second and third floors were hanging off the roof, and not supported from the first floor, which is part of the reason that the ceiling was starting to settle. Great idea in 1887, but now it’s a little bit different. ... We didn’t really do anything else on the upper floors other than gut it.”
Reiman Corp. crews excavated beneath the building to reinforce the foundation and installed seven new columns and multiple steel beams. Those additions allowed contractors to recover roughly an inch and a half of ceiling height in the lobby.
Construction has also involved extensive fire-resistance upgrades. Workers are installing approximately 19,000 pounds of gypsum to improve fire protection, sound insulation and thermal performance.
The project’s cost has increased significantly. Originally estimated at $350,000, the total has climbed to nearly $700,000 due to inflation, tariffs and unexpected structural challenges.
Remaining work in phase four includes reinstalling insulation, adding four additional layers of gypsum, replacing carpeting and reinstalling the concession stand. Fire safety upgrades are also underway, including new alarms, smoke detectors, pull stations and additional fire extinguishers. The lobby will be repainted before reopening.
“The fire safety system is mostly why there’s a question mark of when exactly the Atlas will reopen,” Kirchhefer said. “But we’re hoping it’ll be ready for ‘Almost, Maine.’ ... It’ll definitely be ready by the summer’s Old-Fashioned Melodrama.”
While the ceiling height will ultimately be reduced by about 20 inches once all layers are installed, Kirchhefer said most changes will be subtle and largely unnoticed by audiences.
Friends of the Atlas have identified future renovation phases, including relocating the bar and box office to the adjacent DECORoom building, reconfiguring restrooms and modifying entrances and exits. Those efforts are expected to take place within the next five years.
Originally reported by Taylor Staples Wyoming Tribune Eagle in Wyoming News.
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