Downtown revitalization moves along in Joplin, Branson

Work on Joplin’s downtown is scheduled to begin early next month, and funding for the project is coming along. A Congressional conference report secured $8 million for transportation and streetscaping improvement projects for the city.

Within the funding is $1 million to develop the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street and other blocks as the project moves forward.

“We’ve had numerous contacts from downtown business owners interested in renovating their building and bringing back the memorable facades and beautiful architecture that were a large part of the downtown,” said Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr in a news release.

The report also includes $5.88 million for improvements to the Zora Street and Highway 43 interchange – Highway 43 becomes Main Street that leads to the downtown area. The transportation project was one of 19 that taxpayers approved in August last year for a three-eighths cent capital improvement sales tax.

Also included is $1 million for the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. The city of Joplin is a partner in the project with the National Audubon Society and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

About $120,000 in funding was secured to conduct a corridor study of a Joplin west bypass, another project approved by voters last year.

Meanwhile, the city of Branson already has begun its downtown revitalization construction.

Workers have removed the 1970s-style cedar shakes that concealed the original brick work and transom windows at 103-111 S. Commercial, which houses a restaurant, two jewelry stores and a gift store. The brick masonry is being repaired, and new awnings will be installed.

“Downtown has lost some of its authenticity because of the modernization trends in the 1960s and ‘70s,” said Gayla Roten, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association, in a news release. “This project will bring back those authentic features.”

The long-range revitalization plan includes murals on downtown buildings and new marketing concepts, all funded primarily by the property owners. Other funding comes from private contributors and sponsors through the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program.

The city of Branson also has issued a grant to fund the public portion of the plan, which includes streetscape designs, landscaping improvements and public signage.

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