Olivia Apartments fire could lead to suggestions, possible City Council action

What can be done to help preserve Joplin’s vacant buildings and help them be restored and repurposed?

The City held a news conference Tuesday after a fire Monday night that caused serious damage to the Olivia Apartments near the corner of 4th and Moffet late Monday night.

Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards says the fire could lead the Joplin City Council to take action, possibly with creative ideas similar to those in other cities.

“There are things I think we can do to limit the amount of vacant buildings,” Edwards said. “We can either incentivize  a revitalization. There are also a wide array of things we can do to make sure if they are vacant in a period of transition, they are more secure.”

“We look forward to taking forward some solutions to our Council very soon,” Edwards added.

Although the fire was confined to the 5th floor, the roof was destroyed and the entire structure suffered water damage.