Plans for combination library/movie theater scrapped

(From the City of Joplin)

During a Special City Council meeting last night, Interim City Manager Sam Anselm told the Council that plans for a joint project of the Public Library and a movie theatre has changed, and the two projects will be separated. The City will build the library, and the master developer, Wallace Bajjali, will continue its work on the theatre project.

Earlier this year, following a financial review of the proposed public debt structure for the theater portion of the project, Wallace Bajjali officials requested the division of the theater project from the library. City officials sought approval for the separation of the library and the theater from the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). In May 2013, EDA announced a $20 million grant to Joplin to assist with the City’s economic recovery following the 2011 disaster. The City and Wallace Bajjali had planned to utilize these funds for the combined library/movie theater project.

“Separating the two facilities allows for the projects to move forward while addressing the unique financial aspects of each development,” said Anselm. “The Library will be funded through the EDA grant and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds. The theatre project will be privately funded and developed by Wallace Bajjali. As a combined project, it became apparent that the financing cost was too much to bear.”

Both City staff and Wallace Bajjali officials agreed the community will benefit from the two facilities being located in close proximity, with enough space to accommodate both projects. Plans for the theatre project include a retail development referred to as Joplin Towne Square.

“We appreciate the EDA’s support of our request,” Anselm said. “This is centrally located in the recovery area, and we know that the construction of an updated library will create a synergy and benefit our community’s redevelopment.”

City staff will begin work on a request for proposal for a Project Manager to develop specifications and estimates of the library project. The new library is anticipated to be 50,000 to 60,000 square feet with additional amenities for their patrons. Currently the library is limited to 35,000 square feet, does not meet ADA compliance, and is landlocked from any expansion at its current location in the 300 block of South Main Street.

“We are excited to get to work on this project,” said Anselm. “We will be working with the Library Board throughout this process and look forward to bringing the community an updated facility for all to enjoy. In addition, Wallace Bajjali has been given the green light to move forward on the theater project and the Joplin Towne Square development.”