Joseph. A primary gateway city to the old West, hundreds of thousands of pioneers passed through our streets on their way to make a new life and expand the nation. Restoration is a effort to celebrate that historic past and build upon the values of generosity, diversity, hospitality and an adventurous spirit that made our city great. Central to this effort is the restoration of two of the city's
oldest structures, located just yards from where city founder Joseph Robidoux established his first trading post, and where settlers lined up their wagons to cross the wide Missouri and begin their historic westward trek. In addition to witnessing one of the largest migrations in human history, 117 Francis also was home to the city's "natatorium" in 1897 - a combination swimming pool and auditorium space. This historic structure is now in the process of being restored as a public space to include a coffee shop featuring artwork and memorabilia depicting the building’s celebrated legacy, and a state of the art meeting space. The second building (101 Francis) includes the former Planter's House hotel - where Abraham Lincoln stayed twice as a senator on his travels through the region in 1859. Plans for this space include a Western art museum as well as a small grocery store to serve the needs of downtown residents. This project is an aggressive attempt to bring back to life of one of the city's original riverfront’s historic treasures that will help further the revitalization of the urban core and perpetuate the original pioneering spirit that brought St. Joseph to prominence.
