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1. Memorial Hall Renovation – What does this involve?

Proposed renovation to Memorial Hall includes:  

• Reconstruction and improvements to all areas in the hall (basement level, dressing rooms, kitchen, main level, mezzanine level, and balcony);
• Completion of an 8,500 square foot addition (annex) on the west side of the Hall, with a separate entry; 
• Veterans Memorials moved to the centrally located area in front of the Hall. 8^th Street to be vacated, create a plaza setting with the Memorials, and name this area “Veterans Way”. 

2. Why do we need an addition (Annex) when we have Memorial Hall to use?

• Annex would offer 8,500 square foot space
• Multipurpose recreation space for Parks & Recreation, community organizations, civic groups, etc.
• Large event/banquet space for up to 400 people
• Separate entry creates flexibility and multiple options; allows use with addition only or addition with Memorial Hall
• Warming/catering kitchen to serve just the addition 
• Helps facility to operate in a financially sustainable manner

3. Why does Memorial Hall need to be renovated?

• A 2020-21 feasibility study of MH showed good bones of the building structure, support 
• Community surveyed; indicated strong support to refurbish the existing building to fulfill unmet needs in the area
• Centrally located community/civic center with multiple uses and options for sponsored and public meetings, conferences, and events
• Historical preservation of original intent of a Veterans Memorial, while improving visibility and recognition of our war heroes with proposed “Veterans Way” plaza
• Indoor programming availability for Parks and Recreation and other groups with multiple uses and flexibility of floor space  
• Entertainment events, shows, and performances for the community with numerous seating options and available space (up to 1,700 guests)

4. Why is this important to the community?

• Community Asset – Gathering Space for today’s community and adaptable floor space to address multiple needs such as emergency shelter
• Veterans Memorial – Continues to serve as Joplin’s recognition to those who served our country; newly created Veterans Way also will be more visible; creates green space in the downtown area
• Indoor space is needed daily for classes, programs, sporting events; many opportunities 
• Civic Center – City can use as needed (community clinics, meetings, other events with large audiences)
• Quality of Life benefit for the community – something there for nearly everyone; 
• Addresses “nothing to do here” comments – facility has space for programming, entertainment, classes, and more that creates activities (“something to do”) 
• Centrally located – beautiful downtown facility with other new structures in the area to create synergy

5. How does the Bond Issue question appear on the April 5 ballot?

Question #1 on the ballot will read:

“Shall the City Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $30,000,000 to reconstruct, renovate, expand, and improve Memorial Hall, and to improve related parking?”

6. How will this be paid for?

• The City of Joplin is asking voters to pass a bond initiative for up to $30 million.  
• Initiative asking for UP TO $30 million; City officials recognize the potential for added expenses due to inflation and /or unforeseen building costs. 

7. How much will this cost me or my household?

• If voters approve the initiative, the bond debt would be paid through the assessment of real property and personal property taxes. 
• Residents would see these assessments on their tax bills issued in the final quarter of the calendar year. If the full $30 million is issued in bonds:
  • Homeowners with a house valued at $100,000 would be assessed at approximately $55 and a $20,000 vehicle would be assessed at approximately $19. 
  • Averages to $6.20 a month – about 20 cents daily.
  • Less than the monthly cost for your favorite streaming app or eating out for lunch once a month.

8. How long will we have to pay this? (When would assessment end?)

Property tax ends with the repayment of the bonds, which will be no more than twenty years.  

9. How will the Hall be used after it is renovated?

Memorial Hall is a multipurpose facility and has served this community in numerous ways. This would continue and highlight these 4 Pillars of Focus:   

Veterans 

• Honor our heroes 
• Veterans Memorials & Displays (honor, educate, inspire)
• American Legion Meeting Room
• Preserve Memorial Hall’s purpose

 Meeting and Event Space

• Entertainment opportunities (plays, musicals, concerts, productions)
• Event & gathering space  (clubs, civic groups, hobbyists, businesses, families)
• Flexible Meeting Venue (trade shows, dances, weddings, receptions, banquets)
• Catering Kitchen

Indoor Recreation 

• Youth & Adult Sports  (basketball, wrestling, volleyball, table tennis)
• Health & Fitness programs (dance, cheer, tumbling, yoga, pi-yo, Zumba)
• Sporting Events 
• Community Enrichment Classes (dance, arts, cooking, & more!)

 Community Venue

• Serves community needs (emergency shelter, first aid center, public meetings)
• Indoor & Outdoor Family Options
• Preserve Historical Landmark (National Register of Historical Places)
• Downtown Anchor

10. I used to go to some great concerts at Memorial Hall. Will they have those again?

In most recent years utilization of Memorial Hall has evolved with new venues opening such as several area casinos that now offer concerts and other productions that were once hosted in Joplin. 

In addition, Joplin Schools included a performing arts center to seat nearly 1,200 people when it was rebuilt in 2014. In 2022 Connect 2 Culture will open The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, with a 450-seat performance hall. Located just to the north of Memorial Hall, the Complex will offer other amenities for both indoor and outdoor entertainment. 

These additions created other concert opportunities in our area that didn’t exist in the past, and Memorial Hall may not be the right fit for today’s artists or promoters. Upon the bond approval, the City will continue to work with groups and organizations to offer various types of events and activities for our community, as we have in the past.