#IRON-WILLED
South Side District
July 19, 2017
DEFINITION: A burning determination that cannot be stopped or hindered by anything; Extremely resilient.
The Southside Fall Festival, the best steaks in town, and baseball. There’s a lot to love about St. Joseph’s Southside. This tight-knit community is making a major comeback.
The South Side has long contributed to the city’s economic growth. Some of its more mature residents reminisce about the glory days when the district was THE hot spot in St. Joseph, boasting rodeos, fine dining at one of the Midwest’s earliest resorts, and a popular amusement park at Lake Contrary with elephants, bathing beauties, and roller coasters.
As flood waters and fires plagued some parts of the district over the years, the development of the city moved east and north while the South Side began to fade from the spotlight. South Side Rotary Club member Martial Thevenot says, when his business, Perka Buildings, first moved to the district, he was warned about the area’s unfortunate aura. What he found, however, was the polar opposite of negativity.
“The people are very down to earth in this part of town. They’re very neighborly.”
Thevenot also compliments the businesses and organizations working to fix up aging properties.
Wanna sink your teeth into a juicy, hand cut, wood fire grilled steak? Hoof and Horn Steak House is ready to take your order! This century old staple in St. Joseph’s landscape was recently reopened by new owners who received help from Missouri Western’s Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. Got a hankerin’ for some garden fresh fruits and veggies? Check out the South Side Farmer’s Market at The Junction! In addition to being a delicious source of local produce, this revitalization project is working to develop an arts and entertainment destination. Don’t forget the legendary breakfast served up at Betty’s Cafe or a torpedo sandwich for lunch at Marek’s.
And there’s no better place to work off some of those added calories than the 2,300-acre Bluff Woods Conservation Area. Just a few minutes from the South Side, this 2,300 acre hiker’s paradise features rugged trails, accessible Missouri River scenic overlook trails, and bird watching opportunities.
The South Side also is a hub of St. Joseph’s baseball culture. The South Side is home to the Hyde Park baseball fields, where most Little League games in St. Joseph are played and Marek Baseball Academy, which trains young baseball and softball players from around Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.
And lest we forget, it’s not officially autumn until you’ve been to the South Side Fall Festival.
Georgetown History and Present Day Economic Development
#GROUNDBREAKING
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this architectural feat, designed by esteemed local architects Eckel and Mann, is getting a second life thanks to a $20 million shot in the arm from Mosaic Life Care.
#SCENIC
In addition to its paved walking paths, the Parkway features miles of rugged biking and hiking trails and serves as a red carpet to some of St. Joseph’s most interesting places.
#IRON-WILLED
There’s a lot to love about St. Joseph’s Southside. This tight-knit community is on pace for a major comeback.
#SELF-BELIEF
Not only does the SBTDC help hundreds of small business owners capitalize on their dreams, it is a great example of how government agencies, higher education, and nonprofit organizations can work together for the greater good.
#LUCKY
Games of chance and dining establishments have been a part of St. Joseph, Missouri’s uncommon character since the earliest settlers gathered to let off some steam and gamble on optimistic odds.