Water damage forces temporary closure of Missouri Job Center

The Missouri Job Center in Springfield is temporarily closed to the public, but job seekers are still able to access resources remotely.

Staffers who arrived early March 2 to the center at 1660 N. Campbell Ave. observed water damage to the building from a heavy overnight rain, said spokesperson Katherine Proctor.

“We are hoping to open as soon as possible,” she said.

Proctor said even though the building is closed, staff are working remotely to assist customers. Members of the public may call 417-988-5244 or email customerservice@springfieldmo.gov for assistance.

In addition to replacing part of the roof, there was also interior water damage.

“There are still some things that have to be worked out with the landline and the internet service. They are working to get those restored,” Proctor said. “Once those are in place, we can start to serve the person in person, as opposed to remotely.”

Proctor said the biggest impact has been the resource center area, where people seek help to find jobs.

She said an estimated 40 city and state employees work out of the building.

Tom Dancey, assistant director of Public Works, said most of the damage is contained to three spaces, and a temporary home for the resource center has been identified. The building was expected to remain closed to the public through at least March 3.

A contractor was in the process of updating the roof when the water damage occurred, and crews were quickly able to identify and start to fix the affected area.

Dancey said late March 2 that crews cleaned up the water damage and were using fans to dry the soaked areas. A plumbing crew was also expected to double-check the roof drain.

Asked if there was a preliminary cost estimate for the repairs, Dancey said: “We’re still assessing that.”

Proctor said the Ozark Region Workforce Development Board meeting scheduled for March 4 has been canceled because the space where the meeting was expected to take place is being used as a staging area.

Updates will continue to be shared on the center’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.