Viability of Cole Co. Jail, Sheriff’s House questioned
By Michelle Brooks mbrooks@newstribune.com
Restoration of the historic facade along downtown streets has become a trend in recent years, supported by city incentive programs and community progress organizations like the Old Town Revitalization Company. However, as the new Cole County Jail nears completion, questions and concerns have arisen about the retention of the current Jail and Sheriff’s House. Community organizations and individuals have agreed that the 1936 additions to the Cole County Courthouse are essential to the streetscape and the preservation of city heritage. On May 27, the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission will award Landmark status to the Jail and Sheriff’s House. The buildings were nominated by the Historic City of Jefferson. Letters of endorsement also were sent from the Downtown Jefferson City Inc. and from the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. And the City Council gave the Landmark nomination a nod. “(The designation) tells the commission other people in the community believe it’s an important structure worthy to be preserved,” HJC President Steve Veile said. On Tuesday, Missouri Preservation also recognized the Jail and Sheriff’s House’s contributions to the community’s
history by listing the Romanesque Revival-style buildings on its 2010 Most Endangered Historic Places List. Many citizens may have walked or driven by the courthouse without noticing the distinct buildings, attached and to the north of the courthouse. The Historic City of Jefferson has proposed to the Cole County Commission to consider an adaptive reuse of the buildings, which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. Although the Top 10 Most Endangered, the city Landmark and the National Register listings won’t prevent demolition of a historic property, supporters hope it will raise awareness about a property before it’s gone. Sam Bushman noted the Carnegie Library building almost was replaced with a parking lot before the community voiced its opinion for preservation. “We’d hate to see it come down,” said Steve Picker, CVB executive director. “The downtown area is historic. “People who come to this community love that feel. The jailer’s house is part of that.” The Sheriff’s House is one of the few remaining to represent a bygone era, when it was common for jailers to reside with the jail, Veile said. “We hope it will not go the way of the city jail,” Veile said. A stone structure and predecessor for housing inmates to the current jail, the city jail once stood at the corner of Monroe and McCarty streets where the Veterans Plaza is now and was demolished under curious circumstances. “It used to be quite common in Missouri for this combination facility to exist. But Cole County has one of the few remaining structures of this kind in the state,” Veile said. The Historic City of Jefferson was formed in the aftermath of the old city jail incident in 1983, Veile said. “It’s one of those incidents that lives in infamy,” Veile said. “Everybody remembers it, and everybody regrets it. “We don’t want to see that happen again.” Supporters of the preservation of the old jail and sheriff’s house agree the loss of the stone buildings would be a detriment to aesthetics, tourism dollars, and possibly the county budget. Downtown merchants have made a concerted effort to maintain the historic character of the original city’s business core, said Kathy Crow of the Downtown group. “Before they tear it down, we hope they’ll look at other options,” Bushman said. Redevelopment of historic neighborhoods, such as the 100 block of East Dunklin Street and the 300 block of Ash Street, shows an economic viability in rehabilitation, Bushman noted. “The Cole County Jail and Sheriff’s House is one of those structures that exemplifies our city’s history and serves as a local landmark; one that should remain for future generations to enjoy,” Picker said.