(Joplin, MO) – Representatives of a coalition formed to find alternatives to demolishing Joplin’s 100-year-old Memorial Hall are hosting a public meeting this week to allow members of the public to view the plan, ask questions and find out how to get involved. Information about the public-private partnership, as well as the rehabilitation plan and operating plan will be discussed.
There will be a brief presentation and then the volunteers will be available to discuss ideas and answer questions.
- WHEN: Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 pm
- WHERE: Joplin Public Library’s Community Room (1901 E. 20th Street)
- WHO: Open to all
- WHY: Review Memorial Hall rehabilitation plan to date with volunteers, ask questions, and share ideas.
The group is also looking for interested individuals to get involved as ambassadors, fundraisers, grant writers and more.
Earlier this year, Joplin City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with a newly forming not-for-profit “Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall” for a public private partnership to rehabilitate the facility. The proposed rehabilitation includes updated finishes and systems throughout, structural repairs, a new elevator and modern theatrical needs including new seating. Dedicated space for the Post 13 American Legion’s meetings would be created and the veterans’ memorials would be maintained. Crossland Construction provided a $16.7 million cost estimate for the rehabilitation, significantly less than previous projections.
Through the partnership, formed with the City and a new nonprofit, funding the rehabilitation will come from a variety of sources including Missouri and Federal historic tax credits, new market tax credits, community fundraising and proceeds from a proposed 2% increase in the hotel-motel occupancy rate.
Downtown Joplin Alliance Executive Director, Lori Haun states, “Volunteers have been working tirelessly to put together a viable rehabilitation plan for Memorial Hall. We are excited to be able to share it with the community!
Reference:
Lori Haun, Executive Director
Downtown Joplin Alliance
lori@downtownjoplin.com
417.529.3888
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