Jefferson City River Market ready for opening

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City River Market is set to open Thursday, 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 that using multiple funding sources helps minimize the impact on taxpayers.

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.

Community uses for the pavilion include farmers' markets, craft shows, art fairs, JC Parks programming and seasonal events.