What city officials would like to see in a proposed arts center - KOAM TV 7

What Joplin city officials would like to see in a proposed arts center

City officials in Joplin plan for what they call one of the largest economic development projects in the city's history - a new arts and entertainment center.

The downtown project is spearheaded by Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr.

The plan calls for renovating the city's old train depot and building a new arts and entertainment center nearby.

The estimated cost of the arts and entertainment center alone is $47.5 million, with tax credits funding some of that cost.

One architect of the project expects the facility to market Broadway-style shows as well as venues attracting the entire family.

"Perhaps the Joplin Community Theater will want to use it for a large musical," says planning consultant Halsey North.  "Midwest Ballet has expressed an interest.  Heartland Ballet, Pro Musica, Spiva, it's designed to help local groups grow and prosper and to bring into the community things that heretofore we haven't had a chance to see and enjoy."

Part of the project entails buying land from nearby business owners.