Hell's Half Acre hasn't frozen over, but prospective visitors will get a pretty cold reception there.

Local resident Tracy Hymes told the Natrona County Commission in October that she wanted to open a restaurant, bar and gift shop by April 1 in the vacant park's restaurant building.

"I really would like to have this," Hymes told commissioners. "It's an historical mark; it's on the map."

But April 1 came and went and the restaurant never opened.

Hymes told commissioners she had two private investors who would put up the capital; she and family members would fix up the building; and she eventually would want a liquor license.

She envisioned school field trips, a possible modular motel pending commissioner approval, a meeting area, Internet access and carry-out for those working around Hiland and Waltman, she said.

Hell's Half Acre is located 44 miles northwest of Casper on Highway 20-26.

Mike Haigler, whose county road and bridge department oversees Hell's Half Acre, said Thursday that Hymes met with him on numerous occasions until late December.

"She has disappeared," Haigler said. "Right after Christmas, it kind of died."

Hymes' number is unpublished, and she could not be reached for comment.

No one else has expressed an interest in the building, which would need to be brought up to county codes, Haigler said.

The county has spent $30,000 to improve the water system and pump house, and it can haul water from Casper if necessary, Haigler has said.

County Attorney Bill Harden said the county owns the buildings and does not need to take bids for someone to run the restaurant.

Meanwhile, the asbestos has been removed from the motel, which is slated for demolition, Haigler said.

Within two weeks, an inspector from the state will visit the gated site to verify the removal of the asbestos, he said.

The inspector also will tell him if the state will issue a permit to burn the motel, Haigler said.

Reporter Tom Morton can be reached at (307) 266-0592, or at Tom.Morton@casperstartribune.net.