January 7, 2026, Jackson, Wyo. – On Tuesday, the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in search of a design-build team to remodel the Benson cabin at 445 E Kelly Avenue so it can again be used as a home—this time for Teton County employees. A pre-bid walk-through is scheduled for January 13th at 9am and all interested teams are invited to attend. The deadline to submit proposals is February 6, 2026. The complete RFP can be viewed at www.PublicPurchase.com or online here.
Built in 1920, the Benson cabin is considered a premier example of rustic Western architecture and once housed Jackson’s first commercial power plant. In 1921, town’s all-female council granted owner Edward Benson the exclusive franchise to provide Jackson with electricity. Water turbine generators under the cabin were fed by Cache Creek to route electricity throughout town via a pole and wire system.
Recognizing the cabin’s historic value, the Teton County Board of County Commissioners committed to preserving the structure when the property was purchased as part of a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Region to build 18 affordable townhomes.
Rehabilitating the interior of the cabin as a livable one-bedroom home with modern amenities and repairing the exterior for long-term preservation is the final step in bringing this historic homestead back to life. Teton County is excited to pair this opportunity with a design-build team that can take the lead on honoring the site’s historic significance while providing the comfort and needs of a present-day home.
The Housing Department views the Benson cabin at the nexus of historic preservation and affordable workforce housing. This project will serve as a model for future adaptive reuse of existing resources that support the historic character of the community while providing locals with secure and affordable homes.
For more information about this project, please visit www.jhaffordablehousing.org, call 307-732-0867, or stop by the Jackson/Teton County Affordable Housing Department at 320 S. King Street in Jackson.