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Newman Brothers Building

Historic building
In Joplin, Missouri
0.1 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

The Newman Brothers Building, a former department store in downtown Joplin, MO, stands a block from the Route 66 corridor. Newman's Department Store did business here for more than six decades, from 1910 to 1972. Designed by architect Austin Allen in the Chicago School style, the building joined the National Register in 1990. Today it houses offices of the City of Joplin and sits in the heart of historic downtown.

What is Newman Brothers Building?

This is a commercial building made for retail, home to a single department store for most of its life. Its design, by architect Austin Allen, follows the Chicago School style. Its name comes from the store that filled it for most of the twentieth century.

The building is part of the Joplin Downtown Historic District, so it sits among other old storefronts and offices. Its current role as a home for city offices keeps it in active use.

History of Newman Brothers Building

Newman's Department Store opened in the building in 1910 and stayed until 1972, a run of 62 years. After the store left, the building passed through several owners. In 1990 it was placed on the National Register. The City of Joplin later moved its offices in, giving the old store a new civic purpose. For travellers in the heyday of Route 66, the store was part of the busy downtown the highway passed near.

Visiting Newman Brothers Building: tips

Because it is a working government building, the outside is the main attraction for travellers. It is listed as wheelchair accessible. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for a look and photos.

The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Building stands right next door, and Route 66 Park, with its tile murals and half-car photo prop, is only about 0.1 mile away. Food is available within a block. Downtown Joplin is compact enough to park once and walk: the murals, the railroad building and the old store are all a couple of minutes apart on foot.