Hollyhock Commons - Laramie’s Pop-up Public Space

by Derek Teini, Planning Manager, City of Laramie

In places across the country, the service industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.  At first restaurants and bars were closed but, as restrictions eased, many transitioned to “take out” and “curb side pick-up” over time. However, as establishments began reopening plans, seating was limited and/or restricted in order to comply with local health orders and social distancing requirements. 

In response to this scenario, Laramie, Wyoming recognized the need for additional seating and dining areas. These seating areas needed to allow patrons who order food or who may not be comfortable eating within a building to still enjoy the service establishments and vibrant downtown Laramie has to offer. From these needs, the Hollyhock Commons was born.  

The Hollyhock Commons is a temporary parking lot conversion parklet. Like many outdoor dining areas, it includes eight picnic tables, umbrellas, planter boxes and astroturf. What’s more unique in responding to COVID-19 is the social distanced seating is defined by the astroturf, there are sanitation wipes for cleaning the tables after use, and hand sanitizing stations for anyone in the area.  The Hollyhock Common’s, titled such because the Hollyhock mural painted on the wall of an adjacent building, is a city owned public parking area that was converted into this new outdoor space. 

Eight spaces with the parking lot were temporarily converted to create the space which can be used by any member of the public to dine in and relax.  This space, in combination with a newly approved “open container” district, allows patrons of bars and the many craft breweries in Laramie to also use the space for consumption of alcoholic beverages.  With the space being installed for just less than a week, we are already seeing heavy use and a positive user experience for all who have had the chance to enjoy it.  

The city hopes that this initial success is helping business during this difficult time and maybe will result in a yearly “Hollyhock Commons'' installation for summers to come.