Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Joplin City Hall. The meeting included a local landmark designation, a certificate of appropriateness, and updates on various projects. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The January 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Budget Update: Thomas Walters reported that the budget for the North Heights phase 2 consultant funding was corrected; a budget amendment will accompany the future ordinance for the second agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Local Landmark Designation (612 West East Street): Angela Hudson, owner of the property, spoke in favor of the designation, stating she acquired the property in December 2025 and plans to use it as a community space for the North Heights neighborhood. No opposition was voiced.
• Certificate of Appropriateness (520 South Main Street): No public speakers appeared for or against the application.

Discussion Items

• Local Landmark Designation – 612 West East Street (Lloyd Rough Grocery Store): Staff report by Thomas Walters. The nomination met criteria 1 (character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community). Staff noted that historically Joplin had one neighborhood grocer for every 350 persons, and this building is one of the few surviving examples. The commission discussed that local designation would allow non-residential use on the substandard R-1 lot. Resolution 202602 was approved unanimously.
• Certificate of Appropriateness – 520 South Main Street (Track Lighting): Staff report indicated that the Historic Preservation Plan standards are silent on decorative lighting. The applicant proposed programmable track lighting on the front and rear facades. Staff recommended conditional approval with installation in mortar. The commission debated lumen limits and animation; they approved with conditions: installation in mortar only, no animation (static colors only, seasonal color changes allowed), and the lighting must have a dimmer switch. A lumen limit was deferred to future policy. The commission agreed to develop a written policy for decorative lighting.
• Memorial Hall Update (Laurie): The City Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding. Friends of Memorial Hall are forming a new nonprofit, seeking board members and volunteers (grant writing, project management, event planning, marketing). RFQs for design and historic preservation consulting services will be issued soon. A public meeting is scheduled for April 9. Fundraising will begin after the nonprofit is formed.
• North Heights Survey Phase 1 & 2 Update (Thomas): Phase 2 pre-application is due soon; SHIPO confirmed renewal for future phases. Phase 1 received bids with a wide range; the recommended consultant is David Taylor (who worked on the Murphy’sburg survey). Staff is conducting due diligence on past project completion issues. Commission expressed trust in staff to proceed.
• Preservation Symposium (May 2026): The most recent agenda was provided. Expected attendance is 60–100 people. Registration opens in April. The symposium may count toward training credits.
• Park Survey Update: Chair is developing a plan to survey Joplin parks, aiming to involve MSSU students and create a standardized inventory form. The goal is National Register eligibility (not local designation) to avoid additional review for park operations.
• Carnegie Library: The owner celebrated one year of ownership; cleaning and stabilization are complete. The building will be on the Lost Tour on May 2 (limited spaces). Volunteers needed for the tour from 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• Evening of Excellence: Scheduled for February 20 (Thursday), recognizing volunteers and downtown champions. Free tickets mostly sold out.
• Conferences: National Main Street Conference in Tulsa, April 13–15; Missouri Main Street Conference in Springfield, July 29–30. Commission budgeted for Missouri Preservation conference (October).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 202602 was approved unanimously, nominating 612 West East Street as a local landmark.
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 520 South Main Street was approved conditionally: installation in mortar, no animation, and a dimmer switch required.
• Staff to research and propose a policy on decorative lighting for future applications.
• Staff to continue due diligence on consultant David Taylor for the North Heights survey.
• Chair to finalize park survey plan by summer 2026.