Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Joplin City Hall, fifth floor council chambers. The meeting included a public hearing for a facade project, a presentation on Memorial Hall funding, and a review of the commission's goals and priorities for the coming year.

Consent Calendar

• Roll call was taken; members present: Ms. Hahn, Ms. Provin, Dr. Reed Adams, Ms. Ditarr, Dr. Mounts, Dr. Fisher, Mr. Bruckner, Mr. Millard, Mr. Hubb. Members not present were excused by a motion from Dr. Fisher, seconded by Ms. Ditarr, passed unanimously.
• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion from Dr. Adams, seconded by Dr. Fisher, passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments from audience members opposing any agenda items.
• During the public hearing for 713 South Main, Brian Aglston, contractor for the applicant, testified that the proposed facade would use solid surface cladding and sconces; no doors or windows were being moved. He answered commissioner questions about lighting and existing canopy.
• Clifford Ward, representing the Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall, presented an update on the Memorial Hall rehabilitation plan. He clarified that under the current proposal, $7 million in city support would come from a bond issue funded by a 2% increase in the lodging tax (subject to voter approval), not from city general funds. Additional funding would come from historic tax credits, new market tax credits, and a minimum of $2 million in private donations. He noted that the first community forum is scheduled for December 1, 2025 at Joplin Avenue Coffee.

Discussion Items

• Budget Report: Staff (Thomas) reported that the consulting budget has been doubled for the fiscal year due to two upcoming projects (North Heights survey and another phase), and that travel funding has increased. The grant agreement for the North Heights survey was delayed but has been received; the timeline will be adjusted with state historic preservation office approval. No expenditures to date.
• Public Hearing - 713 South Main Facade: The commission reviewed staff's recommendation to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a new facade at 713 South Main Street (Midwestern Interactive Storefront, now Stilly Law Firm). Staff noted the building's historic fabric was largely lost after a 1946 fire, and the proposed contemporary storefront is compatible with the district. The applicant initially proposed materials that were too ornate (gold granite, coach lanterns), but revised to a modern sconce and neutral cladding. The public hearing was opened and closed, and the commission discussed the merits. No opposition was voiced.
• Memorial Hall Update: Clifford Ward presented the revised plan, highlighting that the funding mechanism now avoids city general funds. The $7 million would be covered by a bond retired by a 2% lodging tax increase (subject to voter approval after legislative action and local vote). The city would also provide in-kind support, but no direct cash. The project is estimated at under $17 million including soft costs and a 20% reserve. Commissioner concerns about ADA accessibility and parking were raised; Ward acknowledged these will be addressed in later design phases. The commission discussed its role in reviewing historic tax credits and the importance of maintaining impartiality. Staff clarified that when tax credits are involved, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews first, and the commission typically issues a letter of concurrence.
• Goals and Priorities Setting: The commission reviewed its ongoing and pending goals from the previous year, including the North Heights survey (now a top priority), expansion of the Sunshine Lamp Historic District (200 block nomination, second and wall area, Virginia Avenue properties), real estate agent training (abandoned due to low turnout), annual report to city council (every other year, due in preservation month), walking tours, park surveys, East Moreland project, and commercial markers. New goals were discussed: a self-guided walking tour brochure, collaboration with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, an HPC meet-and-greet at Empire Market, and an updated downtown preservation plan (to be folded into the city's comprehensive plan update). The commission agreed to continue prioritizing the North Heights survey and to explore the East Moreland project as a public outreach effort. The Second and Wall district expansion was noted as a potential next phase after the Virginia properties are secured.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Motion by Ms. Ditarr, seconded by Dr. Adams, to approve the certificate of appropriateness for the new facade at 713 South Main Street. All in favor.
• No action taken on Memorial Hall: The update was for informational purposes; no vote was required.
• Goals list: The commission will continue with the existing priority list, with emphasis on the North Heights survey, East Moreland project, and potential walking tour. Staff will send letters of interest for the Virginia Avenue district expansion and explore updating the downtown district design guidelines.
• Next meeting: January 2026 (no December meeting). A social gathering was suggested for after the January meeting.
• Staff will submit the Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report by November 30, 2025.