Scottsdale businessman buys tiny town in Wyoming

PHOENIX — Here’s one delivery that can’t be dropped off on a front porch: A Scottsdale financier and his business partners have bought a historic small town in Wyoming for an undisclosed amount.

Rob DeMaranville and his group of investors, became the second owners of Aladdin, Wyoming since 1986.

The town of 15 went up for auction in June, but the winning bidders failed to come up with financing, the Rapid City (South Dakota) Journal reported.

DeMaranville, who visited the area frequently during childhood, stepped up when town owners Rick and Judy Brengel had to put the place back on the market.

“We struck a deal that’s a win-win for both the Brengles and the DeMaranvilles,” the Arizona State University alumnus told the paper.

The deal will close in April 2018. DeMaranville, who attended Tempe McClintock High, will get 30 acres, a 125-year-old general store, bar, post office rodeo arena and small home.

He’s planning improvements to the place that gets a little rowdy when the nearby town of Sturgis, South Dakota, hosts its celebrated motorcycle rally.

The area also is on the road to Devils Tower butte, a national monument.

“If Aladdin is going to be Aladdin 20 years from now, we’re going to have to make some improvements,” DeMaranville said.

He wants the town to make more of a grab for tourists but he also doesn’t want to run roughshod over its atmosphere.

“Everyone we meet, they’re happy a local bought it, but they also, in a roundabout way, let us know not to change it,” DeMaranville said. “And that’s our goal.”

DeMaranville would like to start an annual festival and weekly summertime chuck wagon cookouts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923