The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad (Frisco) Building, located in the heart of Joplin's central business district, was designed by the noted St. Louis architectural firm of Mauran, Russell and Crowell in 1912 and constructed by the Isaac T. Cook Construction Company, St. Louis, in 1913. Executed in the Chicago Style, the Frisco Building is a nine-story, brick and stone trimmed facility with a decorative cornice. Measuring approximately 101 feet by 127 feet (ten bays on the north and twelve bays on the west), the Frisco Building is sited on the southeast corner of Sixth and Main streets. Its two-part vertical block scheme imparts a two story storefront level, crowned by a dominant shaft comprised of columns of fenestration.
To the east, west and north are other early to mid-20'h century commercial buildings. To the south is a dual-level parking facility that ramps to the top level from the east facade of the Frisco Building and obscures the first floor of the nine-story facility at the south or rear facade.
In good condition, the Frisco Building has retained the majority of its historic features to convey its significance. With the exception of the storefront level of the main facade and the first four bays of the east facade, the exterior of the building has seen limited alteration over the years. Its integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association has been retained...
The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad (Frisco) Building, located at 605 Main Street. Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places ... and is significant in the following areas: TRANSPORTATION: Leased to the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad beginning in 1913, the Frisco Building remained the location of the railroad's depot and until 1955. when train service ended in Joplin. It played an important role in the development of commercial transportation in Joplin. COMMERCE/TRADE: Until its last tenant left in 1987, the Frisco Building served as commercial space for some of Joplin's most prominent professionals and businesses. For over seven decades, the Frisco Building was a hub of activity, with a cafe, managed by the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad, on the second floor. ARCHITECTURE: Designed by the leading architectural firm of Mauran, Russell and Crowell St. Louis, the Frisco Building is not only representative of the firm's work, but stands as the city's first modern, fireproof office facility.
The building appears to be in good condition. It has been restored and converted from offices into senior living apartments.