Downtown is a unique and important part of the beginning of St. Joseph’s history and where western expansion crossed the Missouri River. The City of St. Joseph recognizes the importance of revitalizing downtown and provides guides for future growth by providing specific urban design objectives for Downtown St. Joseph to protect our history and promote the redevelopment of city’s earliest neighborhood.
The city has adopted the Downtown Precise Plan District to further enhance private and public improvements in this area through the encouraging development of entertainment and residential uses, and preserving the historic character of downtown. The establishment of the district also created the Downtown Review Board to oversee and carryout the guidelines established in the Precise Plan. The city works closely with downtown interest groups to further accomplish these goals.
The city recently adopted the St. Joseph Riverfront Master Plan to promote the connection of downtown with the Missouri River. This plan outlines action steps to implement projects identified by the community.