St. Joseph focuses on housing, business growth in long-range plan

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph said it is working to attract more businesses and resident growth.

The city wants to support existing businesses, attract new businesses and prioritize resident growth.

"St. Joseph likes cities across America to continue to work on a shortage of housing that's very much the theme of the long-range plan," City Manager Mike Schumacher said.

The city has been working on adding new housing in St. Joseph.

North Village Estate is currently under construction and will be located at the intersection of North Village Drive and Highway 169, and will offer mixed-income apartments for senior living.

Developer Bryan Properties and the Buchanan County Commission are also currently working on building new modern apartments off North Pointe Road behind the YMCA.

Bryan Properties is planning to build approximately 200 to 220 units. 

The former St. Joseph Trunk Company building has turned into The Madison. The building will feature two retail spaces and eight apartments.

The historic Woodson building at 3510 Frederick Ave. in St. Joseph is being redeveloped into luxury apartments.

Schumacher emphasizes it’s a balance when attracting new businesses to the city while supporting existing ones.

“I think you will see and have seen with business expansion here in St. Joseph it’s a great place to do business and full of opportunities,” he said. “We work very closely with those businesses on expansions and growth. While also leaving the door open for new businesses.”

The city has seen growth in franchise businesses like Nothing Bundt Cake, Dutch Bros, and the addition of a second Chipotle.

In addition, to a couple of small businesses like Palmer's Ice Cream and Desserts on Francis Street and Bell's Bakehouse on Frederick Ave.

Schumacher said residents don’t have to look forward to see results because it’s already happening.

“Over the last 24 months, I don’t know if we’ll hit a billion dollars in investments between new business and business expansion, but we’re going to be close,” he said

Overall, population growth is a main focus for St. Joseph.

“That residential growth remains key to the overall mix. While business remains important by all means, we remain focused on our existing business and future business; residential growth has to remain at the forefront,” Schumacher said.

The city doesn’t have any set projects connected with the long-range development plan, but wants to continue to focus on growth.