Joplin, MO: 1911 Dilapidated/(KCS+MKT) Union Station

(3D Satellite, 147 photos)

The building is in rather good shape given that it has been neglected since 1969. This is like coaling towers in that it is a testament to the lasting power of reinforced concrete if it is built correctly.

Route 66 photos cards posted two photos with the comment:

Here is a "then & now" of the "Union Depot, Joplin, Mo." on Route 66. The "then" is an older hand-painted postcard and the "now" is a 2019 Google image. Joplin's railroad depot was built in 1911 and remained operational until 1969. It served the Kansas City Southern Railway and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. Despite plans to restore it in the 1980s, it has fallen into disrepair. Route 66 travelers saw the station from 1st St. Viaduct and later from 3rd St. Viaduct as they drove into the city. 

   Designed by the Canadian-born architect Louis Curtiss, the station was featured in the January 1912 edition of Popular Mechanics for its use of mining waste in concrete. On March 14, 1973, the station was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently unoccupied. There are currently[when?] plans to restore the depot. There have been many ideas for its use, but none have been made certain. This would tie in with the revitalization of downtown.

   On October 20, 2021, the station was listed as a Place In Peril by Missouri Preservation, a statewide organization advocating for the preservation of architectural and historic landmarks.

   Joplin Union Depot supporters announced on May 4, 2022, plans for a national marketing effort to find an interested party to restore and use the 110-year-old station.

   The postcard is courtesy of Missouri Digital Heritage.

Mike Bartels shared

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David Harrison commented on the above post
[Looks like Street View, Jun 2019]

 

Ingrid Schelin commented on the above post
I was there last November. This was taken from the PO parking lot on the hill above. There were homeless people sleeping at the base of the hill. ☹️

 

Raymond Storey posted
JOPLIN MO

The MKT went up and over the town to join the KCS route down to the station. The MKT terminated in this town.

1962 Joplin West Quad @ 24,000