After implementing ways to maintain High Street's historic character, Jefferson City received a designation from the Great Places in Missouri program for 2019.
Started in 2014, Great Places in Missouri is a program of the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association that recognizes streets, neighborhoods and public spaces that "demonstrate exceptional character, quality and planning that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth and inspire residents and visitors alike," according to a Monday news release.
High Street in Jefferson City received this year's Great Street in Missouri award. The city has conducted years of planning to maintain the street's historic character while attracting new businesses, according to the news release.
"It's an honor to be designated, and it shows the years of effort that have been put in maintaining and revitalizing downtown is being recognized around the state," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said.
In 2002, the city revised the zoning code and created a zoning district for High Street and downtown to "promote density and dimensional standards of residential and commercial uses desired in a downtown setting," the news release states.
The city partnered with the Jefferson City Downtown Association to enable historic preservation programs like the commercial facade improvement program, which provides financial help to business owners who want to make exterior improvements to their buildings.
High Street is part of the city's downtown streetscape project, in which the Jefferson City Council allocated $775,000 to repair the crosswalks, sidewalks and streets along East High Street, between Adams and Washington streets, and the 200 block of Madison Street.
The City Council also allocated $350,000 for electricity in the 100-200 blocks of East High Street and at the intersection of East High and Madison streets.
High Street is multi-modal, as it allows for vehicle, bicycle, scooter and pedestrian traffic, the news release notes.
"High Street exemplifies a truly great street, well-planned and person-focused with a strong history," the news release states.
The Silver Moon Plaza in Chillicothe received the Great Public Space in Missouri award, while downtown in Lee's Summit received the Great Neighborhood in Missouri award.
The designees are "extraordinary examples of what good planning can do for communities," APA Missouri President Jason Ray said in the news release.
"This year's awardees are high-quality public spaces that encourage community building, create connections between people and their city, implement multiple elements of planning efforts and promote economic growth," Ray added.
Missouri's APA chapter will recognize the designees at 11 a.m. March 6 at the state Capitol.
APA's Great Places in America program was started in 2007 and recognizes about 290 spots throughout the country.