Felix Street Square and Coleman Hawkins Park

Felix Street Square and Coleman Hawkins Park sits in the heart of historic downtown. In many ways, it is the heart of downtown. There is a gazebo/stage, covered vendor area, seating, public art, and a concession building. On summer weekends there is always at least one night of free live music. It comes alive with activity during the winter holidays, and it is frequently the site of activities associated with many of the civic festivals. Surrounding the park are the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown St. Joseph where there is always something great to do and see!

From the time that there was a St. Joseph, Felix Street was at the center of the commercial district. The Sanborn Maps show the northwest corner of Felix and 8^th Street as the site of various business including drug stores, saloons, a milk depot, and an ice cream factory. In the mid-1970s, as a part of the tragically misguided Urban Renewal program, all of the structures on that block were demolished leaving a gravel lot that became an unofficial parking lot.

     In 1993, Main Street St. Joseph submitted plans to develop the space into Felix Street Square, designed to provide a market space as well as a place for community events. The organization got support from the city government, and despite some drama concerning architects, the space opened in May 1995 hosting events associated with the Apple Blossom Festival.

     The first Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival was held on the site in 1999. In honor of the jazz legend, born in St. Joseph, the appendage “Coleman Hawkins Park,” was added to the name of Felix Street Square. In 2008, a larger-than-life bronze statue of “the Hawk,” by Herb Mignery (who designed the sculpture at the Western Gateway Park) was installed close to the stage area. The jazz festival continues to be a staple of the summer calendar, bringing world-class musicians to St. Joseph.

     Felix Street Square and Coleman Hawkins Park is a gem in the heart of downtown. It is a wonderful place to sit, to watch people coming and going to all of the shops, and to enjoy live music.

Sean P. Johnson, “Main Street Wants Outdoor Market,” St. Joseph News Press, March 3, 1993.

Terry Raffensperger, “Main Street Ends ‘Hibernation’,” St. Joseph News Press, March 14, 1993.

Sean P. Johnson, “Market May Spell End of Unofficial Parking Lot,” St. Joseph News Press, March 27, 1993.

Sean P. Johnson, “Unofficial Parking Lot Will be Closed,” St. Joseph News Press, March 30, 1993.

Sean P. Johnson, “Market Growing Closer to Reality,” St. Joseph News Press, June 16, 1993.

Sean P. Johnson, “Architects’ Split May Delay Felix Square,” St. Joseph News Press, Sept. 21, 1993.

James Fitzhenry, “City to Start Over on Felix Square,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 9, 1993.

James Fitzhenry, “Brunner Wins Felix Street Square Job,” St. Joseph News Press, Nov. 20, 1993.

Joe Blumberg, “’The Hawk’ Returns to Downtown,” St. Joseph News Press, June 19, 2008.

James Fitzhenry, “Additional Funding to be Sought for Felix Street Square Project,” St. Joseph News Press, Sept. 10, 1994.

“Felix Street Square,” St. Joseph News Press, May 1, 1995.

“Festival Honors New Bloom,” St. Joseph News Press, May 5, 1995.

Greg Kozol, “Downtown Turnaround,” St. Joseph News Press, March 24, 1996.

“A Proud Jazz History,” St. Joseph News Press, April 23, 2008.