The Revitalization of Old Munichburg
The History of Old Munichburg
Today, Old Munichburg is the historic core of Jefferson City’s Southside District. According to Explore Missouri’s German Heritage by W Arthur Mehrhoff, Germans fled their mother country due to Prussian repression in the late 1840s, especially 1848. These immigrants were known as the 48ers. Some of the 48ers moved to western Missouri in hopes of retaining their culture and ways of life. Many of these Germans immigrated from the town of Munchberg or Muenchberg in Bavaria, and therefore called their new home “Muenchberg.” Non-German residents of Jefferson City misunderstood this name and called it “Munichburg” and that name has stuck with this area since.
Germans in Old Munichburg
Throughout the 19th century, German immigrants began making their mark on Old Munichburg. German immigrants sought to establish this neighborhood in order to retain the culture and language of their homeland.They did this through building brick homes, churches, breweries, and businesses, along with drinking beer and partaking in Sunday social activities, ultimately creating a close-knit community and neighborhood with a rich German heritage. As time passed though, the German community experienced hardships due to anti-german sentiment during prohibition and World War I, which may have contributed to the downfall of the neighborhood.
Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood
The Old Munichburg district and neighborhood has faced challenges over the years despite having great potential. The City of Jefferson City’s Final Report said, “the neighborhood was previosuly a thriving, self contained, tight knit community, unfortantelt currently the neighborhood suffers from disinvestment, negative perceptions, and decaying historic structures.” Residents, organizations, and institutes have all been in agreement that this area needs to be revitalized. The Old Munichburg Association has recently been initiating projects including beautification, registering historic places, installing a neighborhood watch, and installing community improvement districts.
Development Plan
A district and neighborhood development plan has been implemented and is structured around ten key principles:
- Develop the US-50 corridor as an Urban Boulevard and establish new entrances to the neighborhood
- Build the Heart of the Community around a revitalized and vibrant Old Munichburg Business District
- Develop a Distinctive Community Identity on Dunklin Street with festivals, celebration of history, and cultural resources
- Improve Streetscape Image and Character with walkability, bike-ability, and public space
- Expand Housing Choices by increasing the types and affordability while improving and maintaining existing homes
6. Create an Expanded Interconnected Park and Greenway System
7. Establish a Clear Identity and Professionally Managed Community Development Corporation
8. Develop a Great Streets Program that provides quality sidewalks, street lighting, landscaping, and parking
9. Improve Actual and Perceived Safety through increased policing and neighborhood watch
10. Develop a Health District by Partnering with Anchor Institutions that can create social support programs
The plan listed above will guide efforts, building upon the unique culture and authenticity of Old Munichburg, with hopes to bring the neighborhood back to life.
Project Objective
Through celebrating its rich history, physical and cultural character, and unique natural features, the goal of Old Munichburg is to revitalize the neighborhood creating a healthy, vibrant, and diverse community positioned for long term success and sustainability. Munichburg was built with love and pride by diligent German immigrants and is being revitalized through the dedication of people who understand that this strong history must be preserved and appreciated.
