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Downtown Joplin Alliance reports 16 new businesses, $7 million in private investment and growing residential base
Summary
Downtown Joplin Alliance representative Haas reported 16 new downtown businesses and about $7 million in private investment in 2025, highlighted Empire Market growth and volunteer activity, and outlined preservation efforts including a May 12 historic-survey presentation and a May 14 preservation symposium.
Haas, a representative of the Downtown Joplin Alliance, told the council the downtown organization recorded 16 new businesses in 2025 and roughly $7 million in private investment, citing projects such as the Messenger Tower and renovation work at 524 South Virginia and the Croft Stultz Building.
"We had 16 new businesses open in downtown last year," Haas said. She also reported that Empire Market drew about 37,000 visitors last year (up roughly 20% from the prior year) and that vendor sales rose about 34%, a sign of stronger per-visitor spending.
Haas reviewed several recent and upcoming events and volunteer programs: the 'Evening of Excellence' that honored volunteers and downtown champions, a Clean Team volunteer program that meets 1st and 3rd Saturdays March–October, a volunteer expo, and continuing education for staff (including attendance at the Missouri Farmers Market Conference). She said the Downtown Alliance recognized volunteers Sid Melton and Angela Hudson and acknowledged businesses such as Club 609 and Hackett Hot Wings, the latter having received a National Main Street grant of $10,000.
On preservation and planning, Haas said the downtown master-plan RFP is nearing completion and an RFQ for an architect/historic consultant to support historic-tax-credit work will go out later this week. She said a historic-survey presentation for the area from Joplin Avenue to the Murfreesburg Historic District is scheduled for May 12 and that a preservation symposium co-hosted with the city and Missouri Southern will be May 14. Memorial Hall will have a public meeting on April 9 at the Joplin Public Library at 5:30 p.m.
Haas also said the Alliance is setting up its founding board (initial meeting in April), working on bylaws, filling at-large seats, and preparing required filings. She encouraged council members to note Route 66 centennial events and to consider participation in downtown programming.
Haas highlighted volunteer and residential growth metrics: about 3,850 volunteer hours reported (valued at approximately $134,000) and over 900 residents now living in the downtown district. The council offered no substantive questions and expressed general appreciation for downtown activity.
No formal action or vote followed the update; the item served as an informational briefing and an opportunity to publicize upcoming events and preservation work.
