Historic panel approves contemporary storefront at 713 South Main

The Joplin City Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a new storefront at 713 South Main on Nov. 18, 2025. The motion to approve was made by Ms. Dieter and seconded by Doctor Reed Adams; the motion passed on a voice vote (affirmative responses were recorded, but a roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript).

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, noting the building’s upper‑story fabric was largely lost in a 1946 fire and that a 2019 review had already allowed a contemporary storefront that would be compatible with the district. “It’s a very contemporary design using the existing shells of buildings,” Thomas said, and staff concluded the proposed cladding and configuration met general storefront standards.

Contractor Brian Agleston of American Construction, speaking in favor for the applicant, described the work as limited to new cladding and a couple of sconces. “We’re not moving any glass or any doors… We’re not changing the exterior except for the cladding,” he said, adding the signage would be handled through a separate review process.

Commissioners asked about lighting and signage materials; staff noted the commission’s standards prohibit coach‑style lanterns that create a false historic appearance and that internally lit signage would not be appropriate. The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness with no changes noted in the meeting record. The transcript does not record a detailed roll‑call tally; only voice affirmations were captured.

Next steps: the applicant may proceed with the façade work and pursue separate signage permitting and review as required by the city’s sign code and the Historic District Design Review guidelines.