The new Rock Springs Chamber Visitor Complex is open for business.
Rock Springs Chamber staff have been working from a temporary office near their permanent location since October while the building located at 1897 Dewar Drive was rebuilt.
CEO Dave Hanks says the building is almost completely new, with the old building being brought down to the studs and rebuilt.
With a larger, up-to-date facility, the Chamber has been able to separate their services.
One counter will be utilized for visitor services. Staff will be able to speak with visitors, provide them with maps, show them videos, and help them to plan their visit to Rock Springs.
Another counter will be used to help those looking to purchase gift certificates, tickets, etc. Hanks says the Chamber sells tickets for over 90 events each year, so having different counters will help to make things more efficient and cut down on lines.
Hanks says two people will be working the counters at all times, and others will be available to assist when things get busy.
In addition, the outside of the building has two pavilions, a dog exercise area, and public restrooms.
With the new building, Hanks says the Chamber is looking to expand summer hours until 6 p.m. on weekdays and will even start offering hours from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Hanks said the old building saw between 25 thousand and 26 thousand people each year. He expects the new building to see over 30,000 people throughout the year.
The facility is still completing some of the eye-catching elements–such as the large sign out front and the landscaping–but Hanks says it is definitely making a difference.
“When you come into our town now, this is the front door to the community. It’s the busiest intersection right off of I-80,” said Hanks. “This really, I think, speaks well for our community.”