Jefferson City River Market ready for opening
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City River Market is set to open Thursday, with a ribbon-cutting held by city and county officials at 3 p.m.
The contract for this project was approved in September 2024, and groundbreaking took place in May 2025.
Jefferson City spokeswoman Molly Bryan said the project costs $8.3 million.
That cost includes:
The Chestnut Street extension with greenway Trail connection from Lafayette Street to Chestnut Street River Market pavilion Public art Restroom Utility work Demolition of the Saddle Tree factory Demolition of prison walls/guard towers Design and engineering work Excavation/site prep Landscaping Irrigation
The river market is on the site of the former Missouri State Penitentiary.
According to the Jefferson City website, the project was funded through a combination of state, local and partner contributions. The website says that using multiple funding sources helps minimize the impact on taxpayers.
The website describes the river market as a flexible, outdoor gathering space that is designed to bring people together, designed to connect the riverfront, Jefferson City’s historic assets and its trail network, while creating a new space for residents to gather.
Community uses for the pavilion include farmers’ markets, craft shows, art fairs, JC Parks programming and seasonal events.
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