Laramie Plains Civic Center, arts center in Laramie, Wyoming, United States

The Laramie Plains Civic Center occupies the full city block of the former East Side School, begun in 1878 as Laramie's first schoolhouse. The original Italianate brick section held four classrooms on the main floor and two above. Additions in 1928, designed by Wilbur Hitchcock with pointed-arch Gothic accents, and in 1939 enclosed that first building, which now holds arts studios, galleries, offices and a theatre.

Construction of East Side School began in 1878, four years after Laramie was incorporated, with an Italianate brick design holding four classrooms downstairs and two above. Additions came in 1928, designed by Wilbur Hitchcock with a gymnasium and auditorium, and in 1939, which enclosed the original block. It served as high school and junior high until closing in 1978, was listed on the National Register on March 17, 1981, and reopened as a civic center in 1982.

The building carries artistic traces from its past into the present. Murals painted in 1929 depicting Wyoming history still adorn the Gryphon Theatre, while today over 35 artists rent studios here to create and display their work.

The complex offers diverse spaces including two gymnasiums, a theater, and over 35 artist studios open to visitors. Expect original school features such as preserved doors and flooring to mix with modern event spaces, though the third floor is currently inaccessible.

Beneath the theater sits an empty concrete pool built in 1926 that was intentionally never filled with water because it sits below the water table. On the roof, visitors can discover old markings from a Union Wireless tower dating back decades.