Building gets face lift to sustain originality
Kimberly Feather

Staff Writer

Main Street will soon be the home of affordable housing for many people.

Carlson Gardener, a company located in Springfield, now owns the former Frisco building on Fifth and Main streets. The company is currently remodeling the building for families who meet the qualifications to have a place to live.

The building will consist of 57 units, with one apartment housing an on-site manager.

The residents must be 55 years or older and the income must be 60 percent below the area income.

The remodeling will give historical preservation combined with low-income housing benefits.

"Our company specializes in remodeling to keep the historical value of the building," said Denise Ogan, development manager.

The outside of the building will go back to the way it looked originally. The main floor will be refurbished to look like the old train lobby.

"The main focus is on details,  Ogan said.  We want to keep it as original as possible. 

Area residents think it is a good idea for the affordable housing units.

"I think that this is great for Joplin, it gives people a place to live," said Debra Payne, local resident. "This is a place where people can afford the rent. It can really boost a person's self-esteem when they can afford the place they are staying at."

Ogan said Joplin was chosen because the Frisco train station was a great place to keep the historical value. Also, the community showed interest in wanting low-income housing.

Carlson Gardener is joined with Economic Security Corporation to complete this project.

The plan is for the units to be ready to lease toward the end of summer.

Snyder Construction Company is undertaking the project.

Bill Shepard/The Chart

An elevator installed on the ouside of the Frisco building helps workers from the Larry Snyder Company restore the old train station and provide housing.