The Alliance for Historic Wyoming Watchlist brings statewide attention to historic properties in
Wyoming that are currently threatened with demolition or neglect. Properties listed on the
Watch List are significant to Wyoming at the local or state level and have local support for their preservation.

Significance and Threat

Wheatland’s Old Junior High, located at 1150 Pine Street, faces the threat of demolition as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Built in 1927, the school has served generations of local students and remains a physical connection to nearly a century of community history.

Platte County School District #1 is considering demolition with funding available through the Wyoming School Facilities Commission. The district has identified utility and maintenance expenses, along with reported asbestos concerns, as factors in the building’s uncertain future. The school district will make their final decision in November 2026, but is allowing the public an opportunity to purchase the building prior to the decision. 

Much of the original school has stood vacant for years. A later addition has accommodated a gymnasium, storage areas, and a daycare. Local preservation advocates hope the community can explore opportunities for adaptive reuse before the decision to demolish the building is made.

History

Constructed in 1927 as Wheatland’s grade school, the building later became the Junior High after a new high school opened. When a replacement middle school was built, the old school largely ceased its educational role, portions of the property continue to provide space for the local wrestling team, theatre program, and leased space to a daycare.

The school reflects an earlier chapter in Wheatland’s educational history. Its changing uses trace the development of local school facilities and the community’s efforts to adapt existing space to new needs.

For generations of Wheatland residents, the building holds memories of school days and community life. Its significance extends beyond its original purpose: it represents a shared investment in education and a place where local history took shape.

As its centennial approaches in 2027, advocates see an opportunity to explore a new use that preserves its connection to the community.

Currently for Sale

Wheatland’s Old Junior High at 1150 Pine Street is currently listed for sale through Blue Raven Realty LLC. The listing presents an opportunity for a new owner to explore adaptive reuse of this historic building, preserving its place in the community while considering new uses for its spaces.

The Alliance for Historic Wyoming encourages prospective buyers to consider the building’s historic significance and the potential for rehabilitation that retains its distinctive character.

For information about the property or to inquire about a showing, contact Lizette Campos at Blue Raven Realty LLC at 307-331-8183.

Contact Information and Call to Action

Residents interested in the school’s future are encouraged to contact preservation advocates and the school district, express their support for evaluating adaptive reuse, and request information about opportunities for public participation before the anticipated October 19 decision.

• Preservation contact: Linda Fabian, Wheatland Historic Preservation Commission — lindafabianwy@gmail.com or 307-331-1500.
• School district contact: John Weigle, Superintendent, Platte County School District #1 — john.weigle@platte1.org.
• Follow the Alliance for Historic Wyoming for advocacy updates and opportunities to support preservation efforts.

Support the Watchlist

You can help the Alliance for Historic Wyoming in our efforts to preserve historic places and spaces across the state of Wyoming through advocacy, awareness, and action. The Watchlist is meant to bring attention to historic locations in danger, and the work necessary to attempt to save them. We have established a Watchlist Fund to ensure we are able to stand up and advocate for our most vulnerable historic places and spaces.

Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep track of advocacy alerts and other ways you can help in our mission, and please consider donating to our Watchlist Fund so we can continue this work. You can also become a member or volunteer to get involved in the historic preservation of Wyoming’s buildings and sites that connect us to the past.