THE SPRINGFIELD ROUND - STOP BY STOP
Robert W. Plaster Stadium
Robert W. Plaster is the man behind the name of this stadium in Springfield. This football stadium is a significant landmark in Missouri and is designed to hold 17,500 seats for the crowds that gather here. When you visit, you can pick out the field that serves as the home to the Missouri State Bears football team. It is a place where the energy of the game fills the air, making it a destination for any sports fan passing through the city. I have spent some time watching the crowds from the rafters, and the sheer size of the seating area is always a sight to see. Whether you are here for a match or just exploring the neighborhood, the stadium stands as a prominent piece of the local landscape for everyone to enjoy.
First & Calvary Presbyterian Church
Christ Episcopal Church
South Street Christian Church
Gillioz Theatre
The Gillioz Theatre is a movie theater in Springfield, Missouri, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built with steel and concrete, the structure was created by M. E. Gillioz of Monett, Missouri. The original cost of the building was $300,000. Over time, the site has undergone significant updates to preserve its character and structural integrity, with renovation costs totaling approximately $1.9 million. It is a great spot to appreciate how the city's older entertainment venues have been maintained for the modern era. I have noticed that the facade makes for a great bank shot if you are aiming for the hole, provided you have a steady hand and a bit of luck with the wind.
Saint Agnes Cathedral
The Neoclassical architecture style defines the presence of Saint Agnes Cathedral. This Catholic cathedral in Springfield, Missouri, was started in 1910. It holds a significant position in the local church hierarchy as the seat of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Visitors to the area may find it interesting that this is not the only seat for the diocese. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation, located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is also the seat of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Both locations share this specific administrative role within the church structure. When you look at the building, the structured lines and classical influence of the Neoclassical design are the most prominent features of the site.
Park Central Square
Randy Bacon Photography
The Landers
You might expect a modern multiplex here, but the Landers is a movie theater built in 1909. Located in the Walnut Street Commercial Historic District, this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by architects Carl Boller and Brother in association with Hickenlively and Mark of Springfield. The structure features a French-influenced neoclassical style. If you enjoy cinema history, you can pick out the legacy of early technology here; in 1928, the theater became the 35th facility in the world to acquire sound film. I always find the exterior impressive, though I prefer the view from the roof where I can see the whole block. It is a wonderful spot for anyone who appreciates the way old buildings anchor a downtown area.
