Jackson to spend up to $77,000 to add native limestone to roundabout

Upgrades are in store for the Jackson roundabout that will make it aesthetically consistent with the rest of the uptown district.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a motion “approving an increase in expenditures for a cost not to exceed the amount of $77,000, to upgrade the retaining walls, relative to the Roundabout Project.”

Bob Schooley, president of the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization, made a presentation to the board during its study session, during which he said the upgrade represented an investment opportunity that would not come again for decades.

The existing plan in the original bid called for the Missouri Department of Transportation standard wall facades.

For about $35,000, there was an option to upgrade to a concrete block that mimics the look of stone.

The ideal option, Schooley said, was to go with the limestone.

“It has to do with the historical continuity of our district, not the smallest example of which is our courthouse,” he said, “which is built on limestone foundations.”

The limestone likely will come from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and will feature a signature type of bluish marbling that characterizes Missouri limestone.

The money will come from the City Transportation Fund.

Although the limestone is more expensive up front, Schooley said it will pay off eventually by creating a more vibrant uptown atmosphere for residents and businesses.

“It just goes to show you the city-wide pride that we have in this area,” Schooley said.

“We work so closely together and in such a fashion that they really knocked this one out of the park. It’s a grand expression of pride and heritage in what is widely considered to be the gateway to our nationally registered historic district.”

Although the limestone upgrade appeared as a discussion item for the study session, the board decided the issue could not wait to be decided during the next meeting, scheduled for June 6, so it reconvened the regular meeting to submit and approve the motion.

“There is a tremendous amount of coordination necessary by Fronabarger Concreters and their subcontractors to make this upgrade happen, and the window of opportunity was closing in on us to make a decision,” public works director Rodney Bollinger said.

During the study session discussion, alderman Dave Reiminger questioned whether the upgrade would be the best use of funds, when some Jackson roadways also merit upgrades.

The board later approved it by unanimously, however.

“Twenty years from now, we’re not going to miss that,” said alderman Dave Hitt of the funds. “But we’ll be happy with the aesthetics.”

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627