In 1957, over half of the city’s physician’s offices were located in downtown Joplin at the Frisco Building. Since its construction in 1913, the building provided a good home for the medical community.

The Frisco Building received some serious competition when the Medical Arts Building was built in 1958. The Medical Arts Building offered an alternative place to practice modern medicine and, most importantly, a prime location at 25th and Jackson Avenue, which was near the two hospitals. Moving closer to St. John’s Hospital at 2226 Jackson Ave. and Freeman Hospital at 2008 Sergeant Ave. made sense to the doctors who treated patients daily at both hospitals.

The 25,000-square-foot Medical Arts Building — built for $400,000 — opened on April 2, 1958. By that time, The Joplin Globe reported that 24 doctors had moved into the newly completed medical complex. Every one of the physicians had previously practiced at the Frisco Building.

General contractor for the medical facility was Dalton Construction Co. of Joplin. Architects for the building were from the Kansas City firm of McLain and Sidorowicz. Financing of the project was handled by the Herbert V. Jones Investment Co. of Kansas City.

According to the Globe, “the new structure was so designed to give flexibility to the layout of doctors’ offices. With the completion of the new building, people of Joplin and the district can boast a modern medical center. The building embodies the very latest construction features, including ‘curtain wall’ construction in the upper floors.”

The three-story facility was completely fireproof, air conditioned and possessed a self-service elevator. Each doctor’s office had individually controlled thermostats and was laid out to provide the greatest amount of efficiency in the examination and treatment of patients.

The site also offered a spacious parking lot with easy access to the entrance. Located in the lobby was a pharmacy for patients needing prescriptions. In addition, it offered a convenient drive-in window as well as 24-hour emergency service.

The building was under the management of the Medical Development Co. Officers of the company were: Harry Ludmeyer, president; Isadore Heller, vice president; and Jack Fleishaker, secretary and treasurer. Dr. John Koehler and Dr. John Burch served as the two directors.

The 1958 Medical Arts Building physician roster included: David O. Allen, M.D., Room 308; Dale V. Alquist, M.D., Room 204; Donal E. Barlow, M.D., Room 201; Norman H. Barnett, M.D., Room 205; John E. Burch, M.D., Room 200; George W. Chesney, M.D., Room 303; Irwin T. Craig, M.D., Room 202; Lewis H. Ferguson, M.D., Room 206; Ralph L. Ferguson M.D., Room 206; Marvin F. Hall, M.D., Room 101; Eugene H. Hamilton, M.D., Room 302; Samuel Holtzman, M.D., Room 300; Wilfred W. Hurst, M.D., Room 105; Robert E. Kirschman, M.D., Room 208; John W. Koehler, M.D., Room 304; Cecil H. Meares, M.D., Room 303; Charles S. Paddock, M. D., Room 203; Sandor D. Papp, M.D., Room 107; Cletus B. Schoeberl, M.D., Room 305; Roland T. Smith, M.D., Room 207; Albert E. Upsher, M.D., Room 103; Paul W. Walker, M.D., Room 106; Harry K. Wieman, M.D., Room 301; and Calvin C. Young, M.D., Room 101. In 1960, Dr. Lewis N. Golf became the first dentist to move into the Medical Arts Building.

The hospital landscape dramatically changed in 1968 when a new 267-bed hospital known as St. John’s Medical Center was constructed at 2727 McClelland Blvd. Later in 1975, Freeman Hospital would follow suit and relocate to 1102 West 32nd St. into a modern two-story, 144-room facility. Similar to 1958’s migration, once again the physicians began to follow as they moved into newer offices that were closer to the hospitals.

By the early 1980s, the medical community had vacated the Medical Arts Building. Unfortunately, as the 20th century closed, the once vibrant medical complex remained abandoned.

The Medical Arts Building was revived in 2006 when renovation efforts began to take place. The former medical office complex would still be treating patients, but this time its patients would be families seeking treatment for children with autism. The Ozark Center for Autism opened during the fall of 2007.

Autism is the fastest-growing childhood development disability and affects a child’s ability to communicate with loved ones and interact with the world. Developed in consultation with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Consulting Group, Ozark Center for Autism provides the only evidence-based treatment proven to be effective — Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this intensive, one-on-one therapy, teachers prepare preschoolers to function as independently as possible. Family members participate and learn to reinforce ABA training in the home environment.

Today, the former Medical Arts Building has found a second life and once again provides an important health care service for our community.

Brad Belk is director of the Joplin Museum Complex.