Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Due to safety concerns, the City of Worland has secured the front of the Kerby Theater to avoid injuries and vandalism. The building was condemned in 2015.
WORLAND – Citing safety reasons, the Worland Department of Building Inspection has boarded up the abandoned Kerby Theater, located at 606 Big Horn Avenue.
"Somebody broke out two of the front windows this spring, so we thought it was best to close up the front to avoid injuries or further vandalism," said Nick Kruger, city building inspector.
On Sept. 14, 2015, the City of Worland deemed the property a "dangerous structure" and was condemned. The current owner of the property, Donald Dean Guthrie, has not replied to the notice of violation.
Kruger noted that tax and construction liens on the building are still unpaid by the current owner, and the city is unable to do anything with the building at the moment.
"The city would be willing to reseal the roof to avoid any further water damage," said Kruger. "The building probably has a life of only about 10 years left, if something isn't done to stop the damage to the bricks."
Built in 1938 of native brick, the Kerby Theater served Washakie County's entertainment needs well through the war years, up until the mid-1970s.
Featuring 5,000 square feet of theater space and a 920-square foot balcony, the Kerby also housed a candy store and barber shop. Over the years, the building has played host to cafes, stores, and an antique mall, before finally being abandoned by the current owner.
"We have no idea where (Guthrie) is," said Kruger. "He could be anywhere between here and the Pacific Ocean."
