Joplin seeks historical designation for North Heights neighborhood
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JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin’s North Heights neighborhood could eventually gain national historic status, opening the door to tax credits and grant opportunities for property owners.
The city is working with residents and Urbana Preservation Planning to pursue the designation for the neighborhood, located between Main and Jackson streets and C and F streets.
The first phase includes a property-by-property survey and historical research. More than 40 homes have already been identified as potentially historic because of their architectural integrity.
City planner Thomas Walters said North Heights began as a mining camp before developing into a neighborhood for skilled and educated workers tied to Joplin’s mining industry.
The first phase of the survey is expected to be finished in April 2027, while the full designation process could continue through 2030.
North Heights is also known for Porchfest, which brings live music to neighborhood porches and now draws more than 10,000 people. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 10 with more than 60 bands expected.
Downtown Joplin and East Town are among other areas of the city with historic designations.
Walters said the effort is about more than preserving old buildings, saying historic designation can also encourage investment and neighborhood stability.
