Historian says old Missouri State Penitentiary should be restored

Is it worth the millions of dollars it will cost to restore the old Missouri State Penitentiary?

The May tornado in Jefferson City did a lot of damage to a building that already needed some fixing up.

Bob Priddy with the State Historical Society of Missouri says the old prison is an important part of our life and history, and it’s a big tourist attraction.

“That site is an anchor to so many other parts of that area that will draw people and draw business, and I think in the long term it will be good for our city.”

Cole County’s presiding commissioner says he’s heard it would cost $9 million to fix up the old state pen. Tours are closed right now because of the tornado damage.

The Wake Up Columbia interview with Priddy is here.