After more than a year of negotiations and anticipation, Jefferson City officially owns nearly 32 acres of the Missouri State Penitentiary.
The Missouri Office of Administration announced the land conveyance completion in a news release Friday. The city plans to redevelop 31.28 acres, which lies between the historic site and Chestnut Street and includes some right-of-way areas and the old shoe factory.
"The successful transfer of this property signifies the commitment of our state to our Capitol City and its local economy," Gov. Mike Parson said in a news release. "Tourism plays an important role in our state's economy, and we are proud to support the preservation of this historic structure, which presents a great opportunity for economic development for the city and the state."
Former Gov. Eric Greitens signed over 31.28 acres of Missouri State Penitentiary to Jefferson City in July 2017 after legislative approval. The bill was sponsored by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, then a state senator representing much of Mid-Missouri, and carried in the House of Representatives by state Rep. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City.
"The transfer of 32 acres from the state to the City of Jefferson means a dream shared by so many in our local community is on its way to becoming a reality," Bernskoetter said in the news release. "This vital step in the project signals a revitalization of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary property and economic progress for our city, county and state."
Primary uses for the redevelopment site include hotels, entertainment venues, office buildings, museums and convention centers, according to the agreement between the city and state. The city could construct secondary uses like full-service and fast-casual restaurants, bars, coffee shops and retail establishments, as long as these features do not exceed 10,000 square feet each. Other uses could include parking spaces, one parking structure, green spaces and pedestrian plazas.
Traditional fast-food restaurants, retail or restaurant establishments with drive-thru facilities, an enclosed shopping mall, or other residential uses besides condominium units and loft-style apartments will not be allowed.
The redevelopment site does not include the historical buildings used for the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor Bureau's prison tours. The historic buildings will remain in the state's possession.
"The historic Missouri State Penitentiary holds an irreplaceable role in the state's history," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said in the release. "We look forward in the future to developing the 32 acres into a site all can be proud of."
City and state officials originally anticipated the transfer being finalized July 1, but City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said last month the city and OA were still finalizing the conveyance.
The Missouri State Penitentiary Community Partners is in the process of establishing a process to select a developer for the land. The city must select a developer within two years of the conveyance and start construction within four years, according to the agreement between the city and state.