The Historic and Architectural Resources of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Thomason and Associates

From introduction: "Since the completion of the original survey in 1990, Poplar Bluff has experienced a number of changes to its historic properties. These include the loss of the National Register-listed Zehe Building to demolition in the late 1990s and the razing of the Jewel Theater at 218 N. Main Street. A number of houses were also razed in these years while others were extensively altered resulting in the loss of their architectural character. Renovation of historic houses has also occurred in several areas of the city. In an effort to evaluate the current status of its architectural and historical resources, the City of Poplar Bluff contracted with Thomason and Associates in 2005 to re-survey all properties inventoried in 1990. This project was carried out under the guidance of the Poplar Bluff Historical Commission. To complete the survey each property was reviewed by a team of two surveyors. Demolished properties were noted as well as those which have undergone major alterations. Properties with minor alterations such as added synthetic siding materials or rebuilt porches were also recorded. For properties which were extensively altered, new 5x7 black and white photographs were completed. This survey effort resulted in the following data: Properties demolished since 1990 – 55 or 13% of the original surveyed properties. Properties with major alterations – 41 or 10% of the original surveyed properties. While a few dwellings have been restored, most alterations have been detrimental to the architectural character of the property. These alterations include the removal of the original porch, added wings, and wholesale replacement of original doors and windows. Properties with minor alterations or no visible changes – 318 properties or 77% of the original surveyed properties. Minor alterations include the addition of synthetic sidings, minor porch enclosures or limited replacement of doors and windows... The re-survey of Poplar Bluff is intended to provide the City and the Poplar Bluff Historical Commission with an overview of the status of the community’s historic resources. It is recommended that additional survey work be conducted in the future to identify additional properties in the City which may meet state standards and to continue nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places." Project funding was provided in part by a 2005 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Poplar Bluff (project number MO-05-017) administered by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 29-05-20427) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Poplar Bluff, Missouri is a Certified Local Government.

The Historic and Architectural Resources of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Collections