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.
