Joplin council to consider plans for two landmark buildings

November 30, 2008 09:21 pm

— By Joe Hadsall
jhadsall@joplinglobe.com
The Joplin City Council will focus on two of the larger historic buildings in the downtown area during its meeting tonight.
The council will consider emergency ordinances concerning redevelopment plans for the old Bagcraft Building and the Olivia Apartments.
Gryphon Building, owner of the former Bagcraft Building at 1027 S. Main St., proposes renovating the five-story structure to hold boutique shops, office space, a graphic-design business and a restaurant. According to a meeting packet, Gryphon is investing about $8.4 million into the property.
The council also will consider rezoning the property from heavy industrial to business commercial.
A renovation also is being proposed for the Olivia Apartments, 320 S. Moffet Ave. Stonesthrow Properties, owner of the six-story building, proposes renovating the building to accommodate 31 apartments, a restaurant, a banquet center and a coffee shop.
In other business, the council will:
n Consider allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages during two events at Memorial Hall.
Larry Boyd, general manager of Zimmer Radio, is scheduled to speak during an informal session about serving beer and wine during a cage-fighting event Jan. 10 and a stand-up comedy event Jan. 29.
n Discuss a new fare structure for the Metro Area Publictransit System and the Sunshine Lamp District Trolley that, if approved, would go into effect Jan. 2.
Under the new structure, a full fare for MAPS would be $4. Child fares and half-fares would be $2. The fee for a child accompanied by an adult would be $1.
A full fare on the trolley would remain at $1. The new structure allows a rider to pay $2 for a route deviation. A monthly pass could be bought for $30.