Crews begin removing Civic Center Park balustrade, upgrading stairwell

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A historic and deteriorating piece of Civic Center Park and City Hall is coming to an end as crews began the process of removing the park's balustrade on Tuesday.

Crews with Auxier Construction Company were on scene Tuesday morning removing the roughly 87-year-old sandstone structure that lines much of the west portion of Civic Center Park.

While the balustrade will be removed entirely, the $494,000-ARPA funded project will see the west entry stairs replaced with an entirely new structure. The new stairs will feature concrete steps, complemented by natural stone veneer posts, caps, and wall panels.

The hillside will have to be re-sloped to create a more nature slope from the park to the sidewalk. Old and unhealthy trees have already been removed in some places on the west side of the park, with new adult trees to be planted in certain locations.

During a work session last August, it was determined the balustrade would be removed entirely, rather than repaired or replaced, primarily due to costs being more than double to repair it versus removing it. A separate balustrade that adorns city hall is also in the midst of deep cleaning and repairs.

In addition to replacing the Pony Express Rider statue and carrying out widespread sidewalk repairs to Civic Center Park, the balustrade project is one of several improvement projects planned in preparation for City Hall's centennial celebration in 2027. 

New lighting will installed throughout the park and at City Hall to mimic the classic-period lighting found throughout much of Downtown, St. Joseph. Civic Center Park's fountain is also in line for significant repairs.