Restored historic buildings sought for preservation award

The Old Town Cape committee is seeking nominees for its annual John Boardman Excellence in Rehabilitation Award.

The award honors preservation projects within the 130-square-block district known as Old Town Cape stretching from the river to West End Boulevard and from Highway 74 to North Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Nominated projects will be judged on community impact, degree of difficulty and the capacity in which the project is pioneering or sets an example for others.

Projects must also meet the secretary of the interior's guidelines for historic preservation.

Properties for consideration must be at least 50 years old and have been restored within the last five years. In 2003, the winner was Buckner Brewing Co. and 2004's winner was the gift store Renaissance.

Prospective nominees should contact Tim Arbeiter at the Old Town Cape Office, 334-8085, for details and application information. The award will be announced at the Old Town Cape annual meeting on Feb. 24 at the Show Me Center.