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Joplin Mercy Hospital 50 Acre Donation

By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: November 9, 2012
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JOPLIN, MO.--- This is a welcome sight to many people driving past 26th and McCelland .

"I think most people have a lot of feelings towards that particular site, very positive feelings and it's been a marker in terms of our recovery efforts, so we are excited to be a part of this project and look forward to getting that new Elementary school up and running," states C.J. Huff, Joplin Schools Superintendent.

A board of directors along with lawyers and architects for the 3 groups met to put the finishing touches on the land transfer agreement.

"It's important for Mercy to donate this land to be a presence and play an active role in the healing of the community," states Kyle Falkenrath, Mercy Sr. Project Manager.

Mercy Joplin officially donated 50 acres to the Joplin R-8 School District and the Stained Glass Theater, and both organizations have big plans for the space.

"Our goal is to build a small performing arts center, the auditorium would be about 200 to 250 seats. And we also want to be able to offer come classroom space," states Gregg Murdock, Stained Glass Theater, Board President. 

"We are rebuilding Irving Elementary school that was destroyed in last years storm. It will house 600 students grades K through 5," states Huff.

Even before the ink dried, construction crews were out at the site moving dirt for the new elementary school. Start of construction on the theater could a bit longer.

"The first thing we will be focusing on within the next 2 years is raising the funds to construct the building," states Murdock.

While theater board members finalize plans, their land won't sit idle.

"We're allowing them to use the property that has been given to us to be able to use as a staging area while they are construction their school, we won't need the property at that time so we are more than grateful and happy to allow them to use our property," states Murdock.

Of the 50 acres donated, roughly 12 will be used by the school, the rest will be divided between the theater district, mercy, and the City of Joplin.

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