Without a doubt, a list of St. Joseph strengths must begin with its impressive transportation network.

Located where I-29 intersects US Highway 36, St. Joseph also boasts an unusual combination of air, river and rail transportation.

One of the most unique is air transport. St. Joseph is only 35 minutes north of Kansas City International airport--closer than many areas of southern Johnson and Jackson counties. This factor has been a major ingredient in many national and global corporations locating here. Few communities offer such a blend of small town security with big city amenities, including an international airport.

Operated by the city of St. Joseph, Rosecrans Memorial Airport is a major regional facility located just across the Missouri River. Rosecrans boasts two instrument-equipped runways. One of these strips is 8,050 ft. long and provides capacity for even the largest aircraft, including huge Air National Guard transports that make the facility their home base.

St. Joseph seems to better recognize the potential of the Missouri River than many communities. A significant example is the two-year-old Port of St. Joseph owned by the St. Joseph Regional Port Authority and operated by Global Material Services. The facility offers complete intermodal capabilities for barge, rail and truck.

Located near the US Highway 36 river bridge, the port is expected to transfer 35,000 tons of steel products and 20,000 tons of fertilizer. With much of the steel destined for use as "mesh" in area interstate highways, there's a good chance you will be driving over St. Joseph port products.

The port was built through a partnership between the state of Missouri, Buchanan County and the city of St. Joseph. A second phase will focus on storage facilities.

Like the rest of St. Joseph, the port is served by the Union Pacific Railway and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway.

St. Joseph's prime locations tend to fall in two north-south zones: the older region along the Missouri River and newer areas east of I-29. Major east-west streets that connect these areas, such as Frederick, are prime locations, especially for retail development.

The eastern portions of St. Joseph are seeing the most dramatic immediate growth. The Mitchell Woods Business Park is a 343-acre, carefully planned business community designed to serve the needs of light manufacturers, distributors and high-tech operations. The eastern corridor is also targeted for a new business park to continue St. Joseph's successful track record as Mitchell Woods nears saturation. As one option, officials are currently examining an area near Picket and Riverside roads.

Other development, from residential to commercial, is occurring in the areas east of I-29. This region is home to the Heartland Health regional medical organization and Missouri Western State College. Their growth ensures St. Joseph's eastern area will remain dynamic.

Another factor is that St. Joseph's only room for large expansion is to the northeast. Hemmed in by the Missouri River on the west and the One Hundred and Two River on the east, the easiest path for major city growth lies to the northeast. City officials have discussed annexation in this direction, as well.

St. Joseph's western edge is more unusual but equally significant. Confined to a relatively narrow band along the Missouri River, this area is seeing major development or, in many cases, redevelopment.

Often called the "Western Edge," this area stretches from near the St. Joseph Frontier Casino in the north, south to the former stockyards area and Port Authority. In the center, Downtown St. Joseph serves as an anchor.

Progress on the Western Edge is taking several forms. In the north, a recent grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation will help create a nature center. The center will dovetail with development being planned by the St. Joseph Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities, including a riverwalk and other amenities.

On the riverfront's southern end, the Brownfields target area and former stockyards are being redeveloped. With the Port Authority, rail and highway, this area is ideal for heavier industry and transportation facilities.

Tying the Western Edge together is downtown St. Joseph. This effort is led by the St. Joseph Partnership. With a combination of historic buildings, urban amenities and the I-229 connection to I-29, downtown St. Joseph's growth has already begun.

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graphic content without permission is prohibited. | Destination Saint Joseph is a supplement to Ingram's Magazine