Following the 2011 EF5 tornado that devastated Joplin, the city sponsored a new senior center to serve as a hub for senior and community activities. Built on the former site of Mercy Hospital, which was destroyed in the storm, the new facility also houses a large commercial kitchen for the City's Meals on Wheels program. The $4.8 million project was funded through a HUD Block Grant.
Despite the significant investment, the project faced unique construction challenges due to a historic network of underground mines and a major waterline easement crossing the property diagonally. A stone wall on the site symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Joplin community while providing structural support that works within the easement's spatial constraints.
Located next to Mercy Park, which honors those impacted by the 2011 tornado, the building features large windows that connect interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. A large multipurpose room functions as both an exercise space and a FEMA-rated storm shelter.
* Experience prior to joining HFA.
Architecture
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