The Newman Building: A Landmark in Joplin’s History
Rising at the corner of Sixth and Main Streets, the Newman Brothers Building has stood as one of Joplin’s most recognizable downtown landmarks since its completion in 1910. Originally home to the Newman Brothers Department Store, it symbolized the city’s early 20th-century growth and prosperity. With its impressive size, ornate architecture, and central location, the building became more than just a place to shop—it was a hub of civic life, a backdrop for parades, public events, and even daring spectacles like the famous “human fly” climb of 1924. Today, it remains a key piece of Joplin’s architectural heritage, embodying the city’s enduring spirit and history.
Conception and Planning (1907–1910)
Follow the vision of Joseph Newman and his family as they plan a landmark department store at the height of Joplin’s mining boom. See how the city’s optimism, prime location, and cutting-edge design set the stage for the Newman Building’s debut.
Construction, Labor Disputes, and Grand Opening (1910–1914)
Watch the steel frame rise over 6th and Main amid labor tensions and a near-fatal accident. Experience the excitement of the November 1910 grand opening that brought thousands to see Joplin’s most ambitious store.
Legal Battles and Crime Stories (1915)
Discover how the Newman Building became the center of a construction payment dispute and the scene of a bold fur coat theft. Both episodes briefly stole headlines without shaking the store’s role as downtown’s retail anchor.
Life Inside Joplin’s Grandest Shopping Destination
When the Newman Brothers Department Store opened in 1910, it instantly became the pride of downtown Joplin. Spanning seven stories and offering everything from fresh groceries to fine silks, it was designed to provide an unmatched shopping experience under one roof.
Spectacle on Main Street – The Human Fly Stunt (1924)
Step into the crowd on May 27, 1924, as daredevil Louis Delesslin Bartlett and acrobat Walter Allen scale the Newman Building. Relive the breathtaking stunts and learn how tragedy struck Bartlett less than two weeks later.
From Boom to Relocation (1970–1972)
Explore how changing shopping habits led Newman Brothers to leave downtown for the new Northpark Mall. The move marked the end of an era and left one of Joplin’s grandest buildings without its star tenant.
Pentecostal Church of God Ownership (1973–1980s)
The building found new life as the headquarters of an international church. The mix of religious offices and street-level businesses kept the landmark active through a difficult period for downtown.
The Boulevard of Joplin Era (Late 1980s–Early 1990s)
Learn about Kenny Cox’s bold plan to turn the Newman Building into a multi-level entertainment and retail hub. Ambition met the realities of maintaining a historic structure, and the project never fully took off.