Removal of newer facade reveals original front of Pearl Brothers Hardware building in Joplin

In recent weeks, contractors for the new owner of Pearl Bros. Hardware building in downtown Joplin, Missouri, removed the green metal facade that had covered the original front of the building for about 60 years. A reporter for KOAM-TV showed before-and-after images of the work being done by Neal Group Construction: https://youtu.be/WcXfSKLMq68 The story also … Continue reading Removal of newer facade reveals original front of Pearl Brothers Hardware building in Joplin

Ideas emerge for the redevelopment of Joplin’s Union Depot

Community members recently brought up some ideas for the possible redevelopment of Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri, including bringing back train rides. The Downtown Joplin Alliance asked about 80 residents to provide possible uses for the century-old building, reported the Joplin Globe. A group of students and faculty from Kansas State University and architectural students … Continue reading Ideas emerge for the redevelopment of Joplin’s Union Depot

Local columnist: ‘Time is running out’ for Joplin Union Depot

Wally Kennedy, a longtime reporter for the Joplin Globe newspaper, said it's "now or never" to do something to preserve the long-closed Joplin Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri. Kennedy wrote on Friday: "There is a new effort under way to save it. This is the way I see it: Time is running out for the … Continue reading Local columnist: ‘Time is running out’ for Joplin Union Depot

Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month

The Pearl Brothers Hardware Store in downtown Joplin, Missouri, will close for good on Jan. 28 after 117 years. However, the new owner says he'll keep the Pearl Brothers name as part of the building and nominate it to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Joplin Globe. Harold Berger, who's been part … Continue reading Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month

Memorial dedicated to Joplin tornado victims of 2011

A 17-foot-tall sculpture was dedicated Wednesday to the people who died in the 2011 tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri. The Joplin Memorial Run sculpture bears the names of the 161 dead from the EF5 twister. It is located at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex at Joplin Avenue and Seventh Street (aka Route … Continue reading Memorial dedicated to Joplin tornado victims of 2011

Structural engineer says Joplin Union Depot’s condition is good

A structural engineer who recently assessed the Joplin Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri, reported that the bones of the long-abandoned building are good. According to the Joplin Globe, Lori Haun, director of the Joplin Downtown Alliance, told the city council the engineer who specializes in restoring historic properties “felt very confident it could be rehabilitated.” … Continue reading Structural engineer says Joplin Union Depot’s condition is good

Half-Corvette in Joplin is being temporarily removed for restoration

The half-Corvette at Seventh and Main streets (aka Route 66) in Joplin, Missouri, that's served as a photo op for about a decade is being temporarily removed for a face-lift. KSN-TV reports: It will be removed sometime during the week after Thanksgiving — repaired, repainted, and re-installed by the local business, Mafia Paint Shop. The … Continue reading Half-Corvette in Joplin is being temporarily removed for restoration

Joplin group awarded a grant to have an engineer assess Union Depot

The Downtown Joplin Alliance recently announced it given was $5,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to pay for an engineer to assess the long-abandoned Union Depot building. According to the Joplin Globe: That engineer’s report will enable the alliance to formulate more targeted marketing aimed at preserving and developing the 110-year-old train station.The … Continue reading Joplin group awarded a grant to have an engineer assess Union Depot

City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum

City officials in Joplin, Missouri, gave initial approval to PGAV Destinations of St. Louis to examine the Joplin History and Mineral Museum and find ways to make it more attractive to potential visitors. I wouldn't necessarily say the Joplin Globe newspaper buried the lede, but the very last paragraph of its story stuck out: Because … Continue reading City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum

Missouri panel recommends Boots Court motel to National Register of Historic Places

The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on Friday approved the Boots Court motel in Carthage for recommendation to the National Register of Historic Places. The council also recommended the East Town Historic District along an older alignment in Joplin, reported the Joplin Globe. Both recommendations all but assure they will be on the National … Continue reading Missouri panel recommends Boots Court motel to National Register of Historic Places