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Consultants urge multiuse redevelopment and targeted marketing for former Hot Springs County airport
Summary
Onlyco presented a feasibility and marketing roadmap for Hot Springs County’s former airport property, recommending a flexible multiuse development anchored by lodging and event space, a marketing RFP, and formation of an ad hoc stakeholder group to pursue developers and funding.
Onlyco, a consultancy retained to complete a feasibility study of the former Hot Springs County airport site, told county commissioners on Jan. 7 that the property’s proximity to Thermopolis and Hot Springs State Park makes it well-suited for a flexible, multiuse redevelopment anchored by lodging, event/gathering space and year‑round activities.
The recommendation came during a 50‑minute presentation by Josh Law, Onlyco’s founder and CEO, and Adam Benson, the firm’s chief operating officer. “This is a really unique opportunity,” Law told the commission, saying the site could be marketed to developers with a range of proposals rather than being limited to a single use. Benson said the objective of the next phase should be to “get the property out there to the public” and attract developer interest with a portfolio of scenarios.
Why it matters: Commissioners and consultants said the parcel’s location—near the town, the state park and regional travel routes—gives it potential to boost tourism and local economic activity if marketed properly. Onlyco recommended creating a visual identity and promotional materials, retaining a real‑estate broker to field developer inquiries, and issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a marketing/branding firm to produce venue renderings, a website, video and outreach to developer, government and public audiences.
In the presentation Onlyco described three target audiences: developers (primary), government/quasi‑government partners (secondary) and the local public (secondary). The firm advised county leaders to prepare collateral that sells a community vision—rather than only presenting technical data—so potential developers can see a multi‑phase path to private investment. Onlyco said an RFP for marketing and outreach should follow quickly so content and a developer packet can be produced and distributed.
Commissioner comments and next steps: Commissioners asked whether Onlyco would lead the next phase; consultants said they could help prepare the RFP and execute work but recommended the county advertise the RFP so multiple firms can bid. Commissioner Tom Ryan (chair) and other commissioners indicated support for moving to a Phase 2 procurement: Onlyco laid out a marketing roadmap that includes naming the property, building a website and promotional materials, targeting developer outreach, and pursuing grant/funding partners.
Financial context and grant links: Law and Benson said the Wyoming Business Council funded the feasibility study and will need to be engaged as the county seeks to trigger additional infrastructure funding. The presentation team said the property already has prior engineering and environmental work completed, which reduces unknowns and increases the attractiveness for funders and developers.
What's next: Onlyco recommended forming an ad hoc stakeholder group to manage Phase 2, issuing an RFP for marketing/branding and retaining a real‑estate broker to field inquiries. County staff and Onlyco agreed to coordinate on a final deliverable for the Wyoming Business Council and on timing for an RFP.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to follow up with the Wyoming Business Council about grant reporting and to return to the board with a recommended scope and timeline for Phase 2 procurement.
