Collaborative beautification effort adds ambiance, pride, and safety to Laramie’s downtown core

LARAMIE — Third Street is about to shine a little brighter. A new project called “Light Up Downtown” is underway to install programmable, year-round lighting along Third Street between Ivinson and Garfield.

The initiative is a joint effort between the Laramie Beautification Committee, Laramie Main Street, Tough Guys, the City of Laramie, Visit Laramie, and the Laramie Board of Realtors. The goal: to enhance downtown’s sense of place, celebrate game-day pride, and provide both ambiance and added safety for pedestrians and shoppers.

After a year of research and fundraising, Tough Guys has been contracted to install Haven Lighting—fixtures that are night-sky compliant and fully programmable for home games, holidays, and seasonal themes.

“In conjunction with WYDOT’s completion of road work on Third Street and the City’s new pedestrian lighting, we are starting this project to further boost beautification efforts in this entryway corridor,” said Laramie Main Street Director Trey Sherwood. “The new lighting will provide welcoming ambiance and increase foot traffic to downtown businesses.”

Phase I covers properties along Third Street between Ivinson Avenue and Garfield Street.

The project complements other downtown improvements, including new sidewalks, curbs, and street lighting. In addition, the City of Laramie, Laramie Main Street, and the Laramie Public Art Coalition are collaborating with local artists to design gateway artwork at the north and south ends of Third Street — visual landmarks welcoming visitors to downtown.

Community members are invited to share feedback on the gateway art concept by completing a brief survey: Click here to participate.

Project Timeline:

• Nov. 12: Tough Guys to access rooflines for final measurements and power checks
• Early December: Installation begins on the south end near Alsco and Verizon, progressing toward Grand Avenue
• Mid-December: Work moves to Roxie’s and The Connor, extending north to Ivinson
• Late December: Lights will debut in time for Christmas!

Those interested in contributing to or sponsoring Phase II can contact:

• Trey Sherwood, Project Coordinator – downtownlaramie@gmail.com
• Margaret Brown, Beautification Chair – margaretbrown232@outlook.com

A map of the project area is available at laramiemainstreet.org/project-lighting.