In 2014, The Missouri Main Street Connection, the leading downtown advocacy organization in the state, held a conference where they presented the opportunity for a one-day design charrette at the silent auction during the awards dinner. Russ Volmert of Arcturis, a St. Louis based architectural firm, volunteered his design services and through a generous gift, Warrensburg Main Street, an active participant in Missouri Main Street Connection, secured the charrette. Their focus was to evaluate the existing downtown square, enhancing the public realm and reinforcing the civic identity of downtown and the community. It was established that a new west edge of the courthouse square was needed to maintain Downtown Warrensburg as the center for culture, entertainment, and civic events.

 

The conceptual plan created by Volmert addressed the existing issues of excessive pavement, lack of landscape, poor pedestrian circulation, and the lack of a sense of place. The result establishes more people spaces, landscaping, flexibility in accommodating events, as well as parking for the county. The main focal point of the plan is Old Drum Plaza, which honors the legend of the dog, Old Drum, who became a local symbol. The plaza is meant to be a destination for visitors as well as a gathering space during farmer's markets and festivals with the historic courthouse as a backdrop. Bubble fountains, vertical jets, and puppy sculptures create a fun play environment for children and families while dog hero themed trellises bolster Warrensburg's identity as a place for dog lovers. Large canopies can be placed above the street to provide shade for the entire block during special events and pergola structures are placed at the north and south end of the courthouse square.

A public meeting was held on June 16, 2015 where the conceptual plan was presented to local citizens and business and civic leaders. The opportunity to maintain the energy and dynamic of downtown as the cultural center for Warrensburg and the broader community resulted in a positive reception of the meeting, and the identification of project partners, supporters, and funding sources is currently ongoing.

As seen in LASN magazine, January 2020.