St. Joseph Residents Asked to Shape Downtown Future with Redevelopment Project Input

(KNSI) – St. Joseph residents are being given a say on a redevelopment project for what should be built on a downtown lot.

Craig and BriAnne Hern bought the lot at 13 2nd Avenue Northwest, on the corner of Minnesota Street, last month. Starting last week, they began asking residents to give their two cents on what should be built on the property through a survey. “I think that it’s important to us that whatever we build is something that people feel their voice is recognized, and that it offers space for what is really wanted in St. Joe,” said BriAnne.

So far, they’ve received more than 60 responses. Craig explained a pattern has emerged. “Kind of four general themes that are coming around. The arts, a place to gather, a food and beverage, and a collaborative space, potentially around the arts. And just being together and better together, and the synergy of it all.”

That desire for synergy inspired the survey’s website synergystjoseph.com. The couple hopes to inspire more small businesses along Main Street and wants to hear from entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.

They will take comments until the end of the year. A design is expected to be finished in early 2024 and they hope to break ground in the spring. Construction should be finished in the fall of 2024.

The lot is currently zoned as residential. A public hearing to transition the site back to the B-1 downtown commercial is on November 13th. The plan matches the city’s comprehensive plan.

To learn more about the project and voice your opinion, click here.

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