Queen City Preservation

Some people think that when you say 'don't paint brick' it's because you're judging somebody's taste... but theres a scientific reason!

Brick walls need to breathe. Moisture should be able to move through the brick as weather conditions change. Painting the brick often seals the moisture in and causes spalling. Once the paint starts to peel, the remaining paint is very difficult to remove without causing further damage. If you must paint exterior brick, avoid paints that create a film (like latex-based paints) so that moisture is not trapped. For murals, we recommend covering the historic brick in a protective surface, like EIFS, which can then be painted.

Interested in learning about Milling History? Check out Ozark Ozarks Alive's next Folk Exchange!

Ozarks Alive's next Folk Lure Exchange: Mills of the Ozarks (and How They Relate To Us Today)

In this Folk Lure Exchange on Sept. 18, you’ll hear an overview of milling history in the Missouri Ozarks and about several regional examples – from museums to restaurants to protected sites – that are great to visit today. You'll also hear from very special guests Joe Bob and Betsy O'Neal, who oversee Friends of Topaz Mill, Inc. in rural Douglas County.

Ozarks Alive's Folk Lure Exchanges are held at the Oldfield Opry building in rural Christian County. They begin at 7 p.m., with optional dinner starting at 6 p.m.

You can get your ticket via a link in the comments!

Applications are now open for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches grant program!

Did you know Springfield is home to several historic Black churches and church sites? Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, Timmons Hall at Silver Springs Park (now an event facility offering historical, cultural and educational opportunities) and Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church are just a few that have played important roles in Springfield’s African American history.

The historic photograph pictured here shows a gathering on the day the cornerstone was laid for Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Church, with the Drury campus visible in the background. (Which we're thrilled to see the restoration of the church that Drury University is wrapping up!)

Benton Avenue AME holds an important place in Springfield’s history, but the stories of those who worshipped within its walls also reach far beyond the city. In 1959, Rev. Oliver L. Brown moved from Topeka, Kansas, to Springfield to serve as pastor of Benton Avenue AME. Brown was the lead plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Today, opportunities like the Preserving Black Churches program can help communities protect places carrying stories like these.

Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and can support restoration and capital projects, preservation planning, organizational capacity, programming and interpretation, financial sustainability, and even nominations for historic designation.

A property does not have to already be locally or nationally designated to qualify. Applications are due September 11, 2026.

Help us spread the word: Do you know of a historic African American church in Springfield or the surrounding area that could benefit from this funding? Is there a congregation that needs preservation assistance—or one interested in pursuing historic designation?

Learn more and apply:
https://savingplaces.org/black-churches

Photo source: Katherine G. Lederer Collection, Missouri State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives. “Benton Avenue A.M.E. Church” — gathering on the day the cornerstone was laid.
https://cdm17307.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/LedererExhibit/id/198/rec/25

Sources: National Trust for Historic Preservation; National Park Service; Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail; Missouri State University; KY3.

The Shamrock is gone—but what can we learn from this loss?

Built around 1927, Shamrock Court was more than a collection of aging buildings. The Route 66 motor court included five duplex-style cottages, a café and lodging for travelers and truckers making their way between Chicago and California. Over the years, it was also known as the Shamrock Motel and Stanford Square.

Its demolition is another painful loss for Springfield’s Route 66 landscape—and a reminder that preservation efforts must begin before a building reaches a crisis point.

The circumstances surrounding vacant and deteriorating properties are rarely simple. Public-safety concerns are real, as are the challenges of vandalism, deferred maintenance, rising rehabilitation costs and property owners who may not know where to turn. Once deterioration reaches a certain point, the options become fewer, more expensive and much harder to implement... There is, however, important work underway along College Street!

The City of Springfield, MO is currently conducting an intensive-level historic resource survey of the West College Street corridor between Grant Avenue and Scenic Avenue/Chestnut Expressway. The survey will document the buildings and history that remain and evaluate properties for possible National Register and local landmark eligibility. Check out more info here: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/6209/West-College-Street-Corridor-Historical-

An inventory is an essential first step—but identifying historic buildings is only part of preserving them. Buildings also need informed owners, interested buyers, experienced craftspeople, knowledgeable professionals, viable new uses and access to financial tools such as historic tax credits.

QCP is creating a Preservation Network to connect people interested in protecting and rehabilitating Springfield’s historic buildings.

Interested in historic properties, preservation projects or sharing your expertise?

Join the network: queencitypreservation.org/network

Our hope is to build a stronger community that can become involved earlier—before another historic property reaches the point of emergency demolition.

We would also love to help document the history that was lost. Did you ever live, stay, eat or work at the Shamrock? Do you have photographs, advertisements or memories of the property? Please share them below!
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Photo Credits: Shamrock Court, 1952. Original photographer unknown. Image shared by Mark Mahy via Springfield, Missouri History, Landmarks & Vintage photography.

More background on the demolition:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DLBs1DAcx/
https://sbj.net/stories/historic-motor-court-on-springfields-route-66-demolished-by-city,105221
https://vimeo.com/1213312759

Super cool exhibit! Go check it out on C-Street

Do you like to tour old homes? Check out these open houses in Rountree today!

Thanks to all who participated in our Windows Worth Saving event with Marie Taylor from True North Preservation!

A wonderful dive into this place we call home! Go support your local library 📕

Discover the stories that shaped the Ozarks — then see how they’re still being preserved today.

Our Preserving the Ozarks series highlights the people, places and events that define our region, with programs happening all throughout May.

Explore what’s coming up and plan your visit at thelibrary.org/preserve.

In case you missed it, a lovely 1881 Victorian home located at 625 South Avenue is on the market for the first time in 40 years! It will have an open house next Sunday, May 24 and will be auctioned on Saturday, May 30. This property potentially could qualify for Federal and/or state tax credits for rehabilitation!