Memorial Hall Future Use Study

Joplin, Missouri

Memorial Hall, built in 1925, is Joplin’s only Veteran’s Memorial and Community Center. The facility is currently utilized for concerts, indoor sporting events and community gatherings with a seating capacity of 2,750.

SFS completed a feasibility study exploring options for the future use of the aging Memorial Hall. The study involved a comprehensive structural analysis of the existing building and a market analysis to determine the community’s capacity to support a concert venue considering current plans for a new arts and entertainment complex. The study determined costs to renovate and maintain the facility as a 2,750-seat concert venue as well as costs to repurpose the facility as a civic center, combined concert hall and civic center, or a memorial park for veterans. Parking options were studied for each option.

Through an extensive community engagement process, the community offered feedback on possible uses of the 95-year old event center. Preliminary drawings were presented to the City to show a variety of ways the facility could provide flexible space, while preserving the historic arena floor in front of the stage.