Jefferson City River Market opens to public
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City River Market opened to the public today with a ribbon-cutting held by city and county officials at 3 p.m.
The contract for this project was approved in September 2024, and groundbreaking took place in May 2025.
Jefferson City spokeswoman Molly Bryan said the project costs $8.3 million.
That cost includes:
- The Chestnut Street extension with greenway
- Trail connection from Lafayette Street to Chestnut Street
- River Market pavilion
- Public art
- Restroom
- Utility work
- Demolition of the Saddle Tree factory
- Demolition of prison walls/guard towers
- Design and engineering work
- Excavation/site prep
- Landscaping
- Irrigation
The river market is on the site of the former Missouri State Penitentiary.
According to the Jefferson City website, the project was funded through a combination of state, local and partner contributions. The website says using multiple funding sources helps minimize the impact on taxpayers.
In an interview with ABC 17 News, River Market project manager Rachel Senzee said the project received federal funds through the Department of Economic Development. These grants include $2.2 million from local tourism asset development and $2.1 million from community revitalization.
Other involvements include Cole County, the Office of Administration, and Jefferson City Parks Commission.
Senzee said for this space, they wanted to keep the property and give back to the neighborhood with the project.
"So we just wanted to bring life and vibrancy back down to the space," Senzee said. "And then we just started building momentum, and all those community partners that I previously mentioned just wanted to be part of this project."
The website describes the river market as a flexible, outdoor gathering space that is designed to bring people together, designed to connect the riverfront, Jefferson City's historic assets and its trail network, while creating a new space for residents to gather.
Jefferson City Parks spokeswoman Ashley Wiskirchen said the city is excited for this project because it gives community members and visitors access to the riverfront.
"We've not had that before in this town. We have very limited access. We've got Adrian's Island, but now you can come out here and enjoy the riverfront under this three-season pavilion," Wiskirchen said.
Community uses for the pavilion include farmers' markets, craft shows, art fairs, JC Parks programming and seasonal events.
Recurring events include "food truck frenzy" every Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and, starting Sept. 15, an evening farmer's market every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.
