This property is an L-shaped, minimal traditional one-story apartment building and boasts a large communal yard. But the story of how the structures came to be at this location is that of entrepreneurship and old fashion Joplin thrift. It all started with Jobe Stevens and his commercial land development on West 7th Street (Missouri Route 66) between Jackson and Connor Avenues.
The apartments at 602 S. Sergeant, were first constructed as a grouping of living units in 1938 and were located at 624 S. Jackson Avenue. Owned by Jobe Stevens of Stevens Investment Company, the units were known as the Alamo Apartments.
In order to redevelop the area at 7th and Jackson Avenue, Mr. Stevens moved five of the Jackson units to the vacant lot at 602 S. Sergeant. According to his building permit of October 13, 1966, Mr. Stevens “moved in” five apartments and added one new living unit. Exterior walls were to be stucco over frame or masonry; interior walls were to be plaster; and estimated cost was $5,000.
Where the apartments once stood on Jackson, Mr. Stevens built a grocery store (the new location for Foodtown Shopping/Family Center), a barber shop, a self-serve laundry, and a parking lot. Currently (May 2026) the grocery store is known as G&W Foods Cash Saver at 811 West 7th Street. There is a plaque on the building to the west of the front doors that reads, “Built By Jobe Stevens 1966.”
Jobe Stevens was born on November 1, 1898 in Cave Springs, Arkansas and died on November 9, 1980. He is buried in Rogers, Arkansas. He was a Joplin City Council candidate in 1968. Mr. Stevens was part owner and operator of the Crocker Packing Co., the Wallace Packing Co., and the K.C. Hotel Supply Co. He married Ruth Harp in 1920. Together they had three children.
The John & Annie (Zelleken)Comerford House