Life has returned to one notable downtown Joplin landmark.

The Newman Building, located at the corner of sixth and Main Streets, has been transformed from a rotting eyesore to the proud new home of the City of Joplin.

The building, which was completed in 1910 for approximately $250,000 and added to the Register of National Historic Places in 1990, was purchased by the City of Joplin in 2003 for $3 million.The ultimate goal was to convert the structure into the home of the city hall.

Two years and $1.5 million dollars in renovations later, the building is finally ready for its new tenants.

Joplin Mayor Phil Stinnett said that the move, “is an exciting time for the City of Joplin.”

“By moving city hall to an historic downtown building, it shows the commitment we have to the downtown and its continued revitalization. We look forward to working on this effort and plan to be a good neighbor to existing businesses in the area,” Stinnett said.

While a majority of the departments in city hall will be moving to the new location, some will remain at the Joplin Justice Center at 303 East Third Street. These departments are the Joplin Municipal Court department and the Fire and Police departments.

Lynn Onstot, public information officer for the City of Joplin, provided a list of the departments that will be moving, and their locations in the Newman Building.

“The Convention and Visitors Bureau and Human Resources will be located on the first floor,” she said. “The offices of the city manager, city attorney, city clerk, and public information officer will be moved to the second floor. The offices of the Mayor and the city council will also be located on the second floor. The third floor will house the finance department, community development offices and the information systems department. The public works department will be on the fourth floor including public works administration, engineering, recycling, building and code enforcement.”

Some say the restoration of the Newman Building, as well as the recent renovation of the Frisco Building across the street, point toward a welcome trend of historical preservation in the historic Joplin downtown.

Leslie Simpson, director of the post memorial art reference library and co-founder of Main Street Joplin, said she is happy about the interest in the historic downtown buildings.

“Some downtown players are still in the tear-down-for-parking-lots mode, but I’m encouraged by the visionaries who recognize that economic development and historic preservation go hand in hand,” Simpson said. “They also recognize that preserving Joplin’s architectural treasures generates community pride, improved public image, and increased tourism.”

She said she moved to Joplin in 1979 when the Newman Building was just a rotting shell and she didn’t have much hope for the future of the historic building.

“City leaders are to be commended for their role in the rebirth of this fine structure,” Simpson said.

An open house for the new and improved Newman Building will be held on Sunday, March 20th, from 2 to 4 p.m.