Construction set to begin for Jefferson City river market by July 2025

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Council approved a contract this week that will allow the city to move forward with its plans for a riverfront market.

The market will be located along the Missouri River off of Chestnut Street on the lower lot of the Missouri State Penitentiary property and is expected to be finished in 2026.

Neighborhood Services Supervisor Rachel Senzee said this project will create a public space for farmers markets, food trucks, live music, greenway trails and community events.

"We're just trying to create that kind of laid-back vibe, someplace where you can go ... and be able to relax and enjoy and have a good time in this unique, historic setting," Senzee said.

On Monday, the city signed a contract with Bartlett and West to begin the design process.

The contract shows the overall project, including the expansion of Chestnut Street, will cost $6.7 million, including demolition, site preparation, fencing and the structure itself. The city will be responsible for paying $1.5 million.

Senzee said the rest of the project is being paid for by ARPA and other funds, including $2.1 from the Community Revitalization Grant.

Bartlett and West COO Bob Gilbert said in an email the company is pleased to develop plans and kickstart redevelopment at the former penitentiary site.

"Our initial focus will be collecting data at the site for the design and planning work, but we also want to engage the public and elected officials in more conversation about the elements on the site that would be most beneficial within the time and funding constraints," Gilbert said.

While the city is in possession of part of the penitentiary property, there is a timeline they have to develop. Senzee said the city has to begin work by July 2025 due to a land conveyance agreement with the Missouri State Legislature.

"We're going to go ahead and start construction by July of 2025, that way we can keep the property," Senzee said. "Otherwise, if we don't, the State of Missouri has the right to exercise the right of reentry on the property."

Senzee said there are plans to demolish more sections of the prison's outer wall, while leaving several guard towers as potential trail features.

She said greenway trails will be added to connect the existing trail system at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building with plans to eventually connect all the way to the other side of Adrian's Island.

Monday's contract states Bartlett and West is expected to have construction bid documents completed by March 15, 2025, to allow the city to bid for a general contractor.

Gilbert said along with being able to host markets and events, initial design plans for the site include an open-air pavilion and restrooms.

The city said this project is a collaborative effort with many departments including planning and protective services, parks and recreation and public works.

"One of the special things, I think, about Jefferson City is that we are on the river, and up until the last five years, we didn't have a lot of riverfront access," said city spokesperson Molly Bryan. "So, this is just another project showing that in Jefferson City we're building what makes us special."

Senzee said the city hopes the area can become a state historic site, and said it's possible smaller-scale private development could come to the riverfront in the future.

"There's so many different opportunities," Senzee said. "So, as long as people come here and are having some sort of economic development activity, then the city gets the revenue off of that, but also, so do the business owners. It's a circular economy, which is what we're striving to create."