Thursday, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 |
Photo – Map showing Lawrence Property now owned by the City – Courtesy City of Rawlins
Rawlins officials are reconsidering plans to sell junk vehicles to the public amid liability concerns.
On July 6th, 2024, illegal fireworks sparked the largest fire ever recorded within Rawlins city limits. The flames scorched approximately four and a half acres in the center of the city, focused almost entirely on the former Lawrence Salvage Yard on East Spruce Street.
In response, the Rawlins City Council voted to use $230,000 from the Dangerous Building Fund to purchase the damaged property, with the intent to remove blight and resell the land to private investors. Proceeds from the sale will be returned to the Dangerous Building Fund for future use.
The decision to purchase the Lawrence Property passed by a narrow four-to-three vote.
As of early June 2025, City Manager Tom Sarvey allocated an additional $200,000 to remove approximately 80 derelict vehicles and other debris from the property. The City is currently awaiting bids for scrap metal removal, with proceeds expected to help offset the cleanup costs.
At the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Steve Sanger asked if the junk vehicles will be included in the eventual scrap sale. City Manager Sarvey said many of the cars lack titles and selling them for scrap would be the most cost-effective option. However, Sarvey acknowledged that some vehicles may be of interest to collectors, adding that he has not yet determined how to proceed.
The fate of the Lawrence Property’s derelict vehicles was discussed again during the September 2nd Rawlins City Council meeting. Councilman Terry Patterson asked for an update on the potential sale, adding that residents are eager to purchase some of the collectible cars.
Rawlins Community Development Director Lou Lascano said many of the purportedly collectible vehicles are too damaged to hold any real value. While some may still interest collectors, Lascano said the City must consider the liability risk of allowing the public access to the property.
Community Development Director Lascano said the City has received a bid for all the scrap metal on the Lawrence Property, including the derelict cars, which will be presented at a future Council meeting. Councilman Patterson asked if the proposal included plans to scrap the more desirable vehicles as well. Lascano said City Manager Tom Sarvey, who is on extended medical leave, recommended against allowing the public to access the property.
The governing body is likely to determine the future of the collectible vehicles when it reviews the Lawrence Property scrap metal bids.
