Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Site work begins on development bringing Menard's to Joplin


(From the City of Joplin)

Land that now sits desolate and uninviting will soon experience a promising renovation as work begins on the newest economic development project in Joplin, “32nd Street Place." 

This 70-acre mixed use development will be home to Menard’s Home Improvement Store as its main anchor along with business and commercial buildings, future movie theatre / entertainment venue and multi-family housing.

The site is located just southeast of 32nd Street and Range Line Road, developer Woodsonia Real Estate Inc. will begin clearing the site and constructing public improvements as part of the $188 million project. This new development occurs around Sam’s Club, already a popular destination for shoppers. 








“This has been in the works for almost 16 months, so we are excited to get started,” said Drew Snyder, President of Woodsonia Real Estate Inc. “Many have driven past this area for years without a glance, and now it will offer new opportunities with retail and entertainment venues to the existing ones in the area.”

Site clearing is underway with site grading to begin late March, weather permitting, for the 70-acre development. BKD Accounting will be relocated into the former Jim Bob’s BBQ property and expected to be open and operational there around October 2021.

“Development should positively impact the community and the investment that Woodsonia and Menard’s are making into Joplin and southwest Missouri enhances our retail choices, housing options, and other amenities during a time when other communities are challenged with declining growth,” said Nick Edwards, Joplin City Manager. “In addition to creating a positive impact with this significant project, the developers have also expressed a sincere interest in helping address some additional community issues.”

Snyder also announced they will be donating $2,500 to the Joplin Homeless Coalition, a not-for-profit of multiple organizations that provide resources to assist/help the homeless and displaced individuals in our community.

“We want to continue to support this community and assist with any displaced individuals who were previously living on the 32nd Street development site,” he said. “The Joplin Homeless Coalition and City of Joplin have been great partners in helping us safely remove any individuals from the development area. There are many things we can bring to Joplin as a developer, and one of the most important things is an awareness and willingness to help where we can.”

The project will also include improvements and relocation to the existing Hammons Boulevard to ensure a safe and efficient roadway into a potentially high traffic area. Infrastructure improvements will start following the completion of the site work.

Woodsonia is the developer that brought Natural Grocers to 7th and Range Line and Buffalo Wild Wings to 15th and Range Line.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that whole area southeast of 32nd and Rangeline has a potential turn around. I remember that part of town being a lot nicer during the pre-tornado era when The Bridge and Autumn Ramp Park were still operating. Sadly, but not surprisingly, it has turned into another religious playground (I know The Bridge did have some religious ties, but if you were around back then, you'd know there is a drastic difference now). Hell, Joplin couldn't even have a Price Cutter without it shutting down and becoming a church. But I digress...

Years and loads of money have been lost due to those Chernobyl-esque eyesores that are the old convention building, that busted hotel, the remnants of Jim Bobs, etc. Such a shame, as the location is a goldmine. It is right along the the business loops of two interstates and is located near the more affluent parts of town. With BKD moving shop, hopefully other firms and retail stores will take notice. Joplin could use some more nicer retail areas. I admire Woodsonia's ambition and I'm optimistic about that entire area.