Jefferson City sells chunk of Missouri State Penitentiary site

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City government and Missouri Primary Care Association have reached a deal for the association to buy 1.75 acres of Missouri State Penitentiary land for redevelopment.

The City Council last June approved a resolution supporting the potential construction of the Missouri Primary Care Association-Missouri Behavioral Health Council Center of Excellence on the MSP property.

"So, it's a perfect place to see redevelopment, and that was our goal for years now is to see re-development at the prison, so selling this first piece of land was really kick starting that," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said.

The agreement also allows Missouri Primary Care the option to receive an additional estimated 0.67 acres of land to be used for parking. This option would begin on Jan. 1, 2026, unless the city decides to create a parking area at the MSP site.

The price of the 1.75 acres of land is $400,000. It is expected that the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in the MSP redevelopment site, according to Tergin.

Tergin also said the city is planning to build a hotel and convention center in the area. The hope is that this will create a domino affect, and lead to other businesses including restaurants and shops to be built as well.

"Being a Capital City, we know that we need those amenities," Tergin said. "What we have isn't quite enough and so that's why years ago it was planned to have those future amenities there, and we'll get there." 

Jefferson City Attorney Ryan Moehlman said it is vital the area be redeveloped for the future success of the city.

"We believe that the center of excellence will attract people, draw people to the downtown area and you know, create an opportunity to new business," Moehlman said.

The city also revealed last week that it received $2 million to revitalize the part of the MSP property that was hit by the 2019 tornado. Part of the money will be used for asbestos removal.

According to Tergin, the portion of the penitentiary that is open for tours will remain open and will continue to offer tours after the new site is developed.

Tergin was unaware of when the set date for when the project will be completed.