The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Opinion

Discussion

December 5, 2010

Our view: So far, so good

The Joplin Globe

As the vision for a Joplin Regional Arts & Entertainment Center continues to come closer in focus, we like what we’re seeing.

More details of the plan were unveiled on Thursday. The proposal calls for a performing and visual arts center of about 150,000 square feet to be built at First and Main streets. It could house a 1,200-seat auditorium for touring shows, a 500-seat theater for Pro Musica concerts, the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. It could include spaces that could be used as classrooms, for convention and meetings, and for receptions.

An amphitheater could be built at the base of the hill north of the Union Depot, and the depot renovated for use as the Joplin Museum Complex. Green space for use as a park or for outdoor events is proposed down the hill alongside Main Street, and another green space is envisioned between the depot and the amphitheater.

All of this is still in the “could” stages. Whether we get into the “will” discussion depends on the next step of the private/public venture.

The North Group, a New York consulting firm that helps cities plan and finance construction of arts centers, presented the plan based on interviews with Joplin’s arts, city and economic development leaders. If it gets the OK to proceed with the plan, the next step will be to study how much money and financing is available. In that phase, North can recommend how much of the complex could be built and what priorities could be accommodated. To get it all, some $48 million would need to be raised.

We like the fact that the plan includes a use for Union Depot. We also like the idea of providing classes and resource training. The Walton Arts Center at Fayetteville has pledged to help the Joplin arts center effort, including ticket sales and booking performers, if it is built. That kind of advance support is crucial.

We know that not everyone embraces the idea — even though it hinges largely on private funding.

One Joplin business developer, who owns commercial property at Interstate 44 and Range Line Road, disagrees that an events and arts center would bring business to hotels and help the Range Line hospitality sector. Instead he points to the need for a convention center.

We don’t disagree with Fannun Kanan on the fact that a convention center is needed for Joplin.

But, that shouldn’t interfere with the development of an arts and entertainment center.

A convention center will help draw visitors into town for a short stay.

The vision that was unveiled last week will make them want to make the Joplin area their home.

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