"Bring it back": Once facing demolition, Joplin Memorial Hall gets $17m second chance

Just two years ago, Joplin Memorial Hall was headed toward demolition.

Now, supporters have unveiled a nearly $17 million plan to bring the century-old landmark back to life, with a $75,000 financial commitment to help make it happen.

Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall revealed architectural renderings and renovation plans Thursday, officially launching its "Bring It Back" fundraising campaign inside the historic building.

The first major commitment came from American Legion Post 13, the same veterans organization that helped lead the effort to construct Memorial Hall more than a century ago.

Bob Harrington, commander of Post 13 and president of Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall, said the building's future looked bleak after the council decided in June 2024 to pursue demolition.

"It was a done deal," Harrington told Newstalk KZRG. "We had one council member that said, 'Let's try one more time,'" Harrington recalled.

The city requested redevelopment proposals, and according to Harrington, Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall was the only organization to respond.

Working with local hotel and motel operators, the nonprofit developed a financing proposal that would avoid increasing property or general sales tax rates.

The proposed renovation is estimated to cost $16.7 million, significantly less than a different $30 million renovation and expansion proposal rejected by Joplin voters in April 2022. That earlier proposal would have been financed through property taxes.

The new plan would rely on state and federal historic tax credits, New Markets Tax Credits, grants and $7 million in city-issued bonds.

Those bonds would be repaid through a proposed increase in Joplin's hotel and motel lodging tax from 4% to 6%.

Missouri lawmakers have already approved legislation allowing the city to seek the increase, but voters must still authorize it. The measure is expected to appear on the April 2027 ballot.

The additional tax would be paid by guests staying in Joplin hotels and motels, rather than through an increase in property or general sales tax rates.

The nonprofit must also raise $2 million in cash or financial commitments by October 1, 2027, before the city can issue the bonds.

"We've got a lot of money to raise in a year," Harrington said, appealing to residents and businesses for support.

The $75,000 commitment from American Legion Post 13 launches that effort and reserves the proposed second-floor American Legion meeting room as the campaign's first naming opportunity.

The restoration plans include seating for approximately 2,200 people, new concert lighting and sound equipment, modernized backstage facilities, upgraded restrooms, elevators, and structural repairs.

Renderings also show the removal of the building's large exterior ramp, restoration of its front steps and improvements to the lobby and concessions areas.

Former Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean, the nonprofit's vice president, said the goal extends beyond preserving an aging structure.

She envisions Memorial Hall hosting concerts, sporting events, conferences, educational programs, and activities for young people, seniors, and veterans.

"It's more than simply building a building," Colbert-Kean said. "It's about giving people reasons to come to Joplin, stay longer, stay locally, and discover our community."

American Legion members began organizing the project following World War I, seeking a permanent memorial for veterans, particularly those who never returned home.

Built in 1925 for $250,000, Memorial Hall became a centerpiece of Joplin's entertainment and civic life. It remained a gathering place for generations until a partial roof collapse forced its closure in 2020.

Clifford Wert, the nonprofit's treasurer, said individuals, businesses and organizations can contribute through donations, pledges and permanent naming opportunities throughout the renovated facility.

The group hopes to reopen Memorial Hall in 2029, provided fundraising, voter approval and financing requirements are met.