It’s hard to imagine this center city neighborhood being on the south-side periphery of Jefferson City, existing almost as a bedroom community. But that’s just what Old Munichburg was in the 1800s when it was established by German immigrants who sought to retain the culture and language of their homeland.
Today, the German influence remains in the red brick architecture making for very study homes perfect for young people and families or older residents who want to be near where they work, shop, and dine. Germans successfully created their own Munichburg in the 19th century, but living in Old Munichburg in the 21st century offers greater diversity of people and cultures than bygone days.
Anchored by Lincoln University on the east, the families in Old Munichburg represent a broad mix of aspiring students, professors, professionals, and working-class individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Home to Jefferson City’s one of Jefferson City’s soul food businesses and an international grocery store, there’s really something for everyone in this neighborhood.
Houses throughout the whole area range from large and small Greek and Victorian styles to bungalows and cottages. What you will notice in all is a pride of ownership, spearheaded by the Old Munichburg Association and Southside Munichburg Community Improvement District, property owner groups working for more than 20 years to support the neighborhood.
On the west side of Old Munichburg, bounded by Missouri Boulevard, is a more industrial mix of businesses and homes, and on the south side is Swifts Highway with its majestic houses and Capital Region hospital. Highway 50 rims the north side of the neighborhood. Peppered throughout you will find not only historic homes, but also legacy businesses, as Old Munichburg is home to many of the oldest and largest employers in the city.
Residents can enjoy tree-lined sidewalks throughout this established area. With its close proximity to the capitol building, all of the state office buildings, and the High Street area, walking or biking to work is entirely possible. Recreation is also close at hand with the greenway meandering right into Old Munichburg, pocket parks in the neighborhoods, and the variety of interesting shopping and dining opportunities.
Old Munichburg also boasts the oldest restaurant in the city, ECCO Lounge, and it is a must-do, but newer restaurants and coffee shops that are sprinkled around the neighborhood serve the residents as well. No one can miss dessert (or even an ice cream meal) at Central Dairy, which draws folks from all over the U.S. Shopping is equally as diverse and interesting, with stores offering both new and vintage styles.
Residents and visitors can attend church, work out, get a haircut, grab a cold beverage, celebrate Oktoberfest, and more right in their own little city-within-the-city. In the beginning, the Germans had all they needed right in their neighborhood, and that’s still Old Munichburg today.
While you’re in the area
FAVORITES FROM OUR CONSULTING PUBLISHER
The Schaefer House
618 Broadway
ECCO Lounge
703 Jefferson St.
Central Dairy
610 Madison St.