The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Joplin Metro

Discussion

October 30, 2008

Developers win historic designation

By Debby Woodin

dwoodin@joplinglobe.com

Developers of the Gryphon Building Co. who plan to rehabilitate the former Interstate Grocers’ Association Building at 1027 S. Main St. have been notified that the structure has been accepted on the National Register of Historic Places.

“My partners and I think it’s wonderful,” said Paul Whitehill, one of the project’s developers. “We also think it’s wonderful for the citizens of Joplin to have such a prominent building on the National Register.”

He said that earning the registration will help to push the project forward because it helps to enable financing and tax credits. “This is certainly a very large step in the process,” Whitehill said.

The developers currently have been able to address only maintenance issues. They are not allowed to proceed with formal construction until they have been approved to receive funding to help with removing asbestos and lead paint from the building.

Whitehill said work has been done to stabilize bricks damaged by ice storms, and broken windows are being replaced to prevent further damage to the building.

The Joplin City Council in July approved a proposal to give $175,000 of the city’s federal Community Development block grant funds toward the renovation.

Built in 1915, the building’s architect was from St. Louis and was famous for concrete and steel-framed designs of that era. After it served as the location for IGA, it was a manufacturing plant for Bagcraft Inc., which makes paper bags. That firm moved to Baxter Springs, Kan., leaving the building vacant.







Project total

Developers plan a $10 million renovation to convert the building into office, retail and gallery space.



Text Only
Joplin Metro
  • Ruby-Sapp-obit.jpg Longtime Democrat dies at 81

    Sapp, 81, died Thursday. Funeral services were Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. A longtime Jasper County Democratic committeewoman and volunteer, Sapp for years was secretary to the county’s central committee.

    August 9, 2010 1 Photo

  • Motivational speaker offers free marriage course

    Presented by Mark Gungor, the course is being offered free to the community. The event is being held to aid in tornado relief. 

    January 12, 2012

  • District sends faculty, administrators on site visits

    With the design phase of several buildings in Joplin Schools ending in May, the district has sent 66 administration, faculty, parents and community members on site visits to 22 schools and two technology company headquarters across the country.

    January 11, 2012

  • 011012 Jop HS mural1_72.jpg Mural depicting Joplin High School dedicated

    A four-paneled mural depicting the recent history of Joplin High School was dedicated at the Memorial 9th- and 10th-grade Center Tuesday morning. The mural will be moved to the new high school when it is completed in 2014.

    January 10, 2012 4 Photos

  • Carl Junction chamber creating new committees

    The Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce is kicking off three new committees this week with meetings scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday.

    January 9, 2012

  • Body of missing Joplin man found

    The body of a missing Joplin man was discovered this afternoon inside his home in the Royal Heights neighborhood of Joplin.

    January 3, 2012

  • Wildcat Glades nature center receives $50,000 grant

    The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center has received a $50,000 TogetherGreen Innovation Grant, which is being provided through an alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota.

    October 21, 2011

  • Joplin shooting victim’s name released

    The Joplin Police Department today released the name of a woman fatally shot in her home early Thursday and acknowledged that the shooting was reported as a suicide attempt.

    October 21, 2011

  • Barry Manilow to deliver donated instruments

    Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow will visit Joplin next week to donate more than $300,000 in musical instruments to replace those lost during the May 22 tornado.

    October 21, 2011

  • Extreme Makeover releases names of families

    "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has released more details about the build in the 2400 block of Connor Avenue, including the names of the seven families. They are:

    October 19, 2011