MASTER PLAN AREA CONCEPTS AND AMENITIES
Introduction
The master plan was developed as a combination of concepts that are recommended for complete fairgrounds build-out within ten to fourteen years. The development districts have been introduced to help assist in phasing and fairground use issues. It is understood that several conditions exist that makes this master plan different than a normal development plan. One, there are many entities that use the fairgrounds during different times of the year; therefore, their uses are somewhat different. Two, much of the property is recommended for redevelopment as much as development. Three, phasing will have to include demolition before some of the new construction is completed. Many of the buildings that will have to be removed will in addition seek relocation of their activities as well.
The area concepts and amenities are presented to assist in illustrating the intention of the master plan recommendations. It will help the reader visualize what is meant by particular recommendations. Design and graphics are to reflect the nature of compatible design within the fairgrounds development plan. Some of these concepts may never be realized, while other concepts may be changed, expanded or relocated within the fairgrounds. The intent was to provide designs and concepts that work with the functions of the fair and the nobility of the site.
New State Fair Entryways
The master plan recommends the addition of three major entryways into the fairgrounds instead of the approximately thirteen older gates and ticketing areas. Identifying attractive entryways will assist with proper gathering of crowds and their automobiles. The Fair experience is to begin as soon as arrival takes place. The fairgrounds entryways are recommended to be of brick and steel construction forming an arch over two monument-type pedestals. An identifying logo or fairgrounds lettering stating "Missouri State Fairgrounds" should present the fair in a positive manner.
The main fairgrounds entryway will be the only entryway provided for on U.S. Highway 65. Fairgoers would be entering from the east onto the fairgrounds in direct alignment to the center of the historic Coliseum. A long boulevard leading from U.S. Highway 65 to the entryway plaza in front of the Coliseum will support the entrance. This boulevard would be two separated lanes for traffic with double rows of green ash trees for shade and visual effect.
The second entryway will be positioned on 16th Street in alignment with State Fair Boulevard. This is the location of the present fairgrounds main entryway with its historic 1938 Art Deco entryway feature. The recommended entryway boulevard would be perpendicular to the main entry boulevard mentioned above. It would terminate at the entryway circle leading to the ticketing gate and admission center.
The third entryway would be located along 16th Street in alignment with the Mathewson Center. New parking areas are planned for this site, with a boulevard entrance road leading to an entry circle and ticketing plaza. A new entryway gate is also projected for this location with identical design as the other two, but using the number 3 in the design or another distinguishing feature, such as a cow's head, mule's head, or a sheep's head.
• Demolition Plan
• Renovation Plan
• New Construction Plan
• Concept Master Plan
Portals into Parking
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Main Entrance at Coliseum
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