New Plans for Old MO Jail
There are new plans out for what to do with the landmark old state penitentiary in Jefferson City. Reported by KOMU.
There are limited tours now of the old state penitentiary in Jefferson City, but visitors must face abestos and lead paint along the way. That is one reason why state officials met to discuss a new redevelopment plan Wednesday morning.
The plan would designate 140 acres for private development and preservation of historic structures.
“The main goal is to get economic development in the center core of Jefferson City. The prison site is six blocks from the capital–it’s in downtown Jefferson City,” said Cole County Presiding Commisioner Marc Ellinger.
Ellinger said the development means construction and future jobs. The federal court house is already under reconstruction, which is working as a catalyst for completion.
“We are at the beginning stages of this development and we plan to move foward to significant opportunities down the road for economic development and tourism,” said Office of Administration Commissioner Kelvin Simmons.
The combination of local, county and state money will help this redevelopment site continue to move forward.
There is no set timeline for completition of the entire project but the court house is expected to open in 2011.
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