The city addresses downtown vacancies to foster growth and community development

Downtown Jefferson City is more than just a collection of buildings; it’s the heart of the Jefferson City community — rich in history and full of untapped potential. Yet, as charming as the downtown area is, city leadership can’t ignore the concerns about those empty buildings scattered throughout the area. They spark curiosity and concern from residents, visitors, and local business owners alike. The reality is that while the future of downtown is largely shaped by the free market, city leadership isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. They are actively working behind the scenes. City leadership works to build strong relationships with property owners to breathe new life into these spaces, and they are here to support and guide owners through the often-tricky process of revitalizing these historic spaces.

While the city respects the boundaries of private ownership, they also have a duty to ensure public safety. When the city declares a building dangerous, they send a certified notice to the property owners and post dangerous notices near the entrances of the building. The city then attempts to work with the owners toward a resolution. If the owners fail to make these buildings safe, there is then an administrative hearing to verify that the city’s determinations were lawful. After 30 days, the city can then act.

They take steps to address the hazards. The costs for these fixes are not free; they’re added to the property as a special tax lien. Once that happens, all the stabilization, demolition, or other responsibilities fall on the city, which means it’s funded by taxpayer dollars. It can take years to recoup this fund through tax sales and/or judicial processes.

The Jefferson City’s Planning and Protective Services department has recently introduced a new abandoned buildings program that targets commercial properties. This initiative, which expands on the city’s efforts with residential buildings, holds property owners accountable by charging fees for neglect as a proactive approach to addressing abandoned properties.

While tackling the issue of unsafe buildings is essential, the city is equally focused on turning these spaces into opportunities for new business. By breathing life into these vacant spots, they’re not just preserving Jefferson City’s character; they’re paving the way for exciting new ventures to setup shop downtown. One such venture is the new Magnolia Dance Studio at 211 E. High St. Downtown is where it all started for Magnolia Dance Studio owner, Jordan Beach Hall. Her childhood dance studio was in the downtown area. Now, she’s opened her own studio downtown.

“We are looking forward to being in the middle of so many small business success stories,” Jordan says. “We are striving to become a staple of our downtown by offering classes for everyone. I have many fond memories of participating in Downtown Living Windows and the Jefferson City Jaycee Christmas Parade while growing up, and I can’t wait to see my students experience the same joy.”

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Downtown’s historic allure brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to things like parking and maintaining and updating the old buildings.

“The primary challenge with most downtown businesses is parking for customers and staff,” says Logan Gratz, a local real estate agent. “The second is the age of the buildings. In most situations, you are maintaining a very old building or improving an old building for a new business. This comes with larger expenses as well as more code updates.”

The downtown conference center, parking garage, and hotel project will also help tackle these very issues. This project could become a cornerstone for downtown, attracting larger conferences and new visitors, ultimately boosting local businesses while attracting more customers, activities, and economic activity to downtown. Not only will the new parking garage alleviate the downtown parking woes, but it will entice new businesses to fill the vacant buildings downtown.

Imagine more people shopping, dining, and exploring these historic streets. By honoring these historic buildings while embracing the future, the city is shaping a downtown that is dynamic and full of life. Bringing businesses to the downtown area is a journey, and while it’s not without its challenges, the city is confident that they can create a brighter future for Jefferson City.