Downtown Cape's revival starts with dreams

Vision 2020 and Old Town Cape are just two of the groups interested in developing downtown Cape Girardeau as a vibrant shopping area, tourist attraction and place to live.

Cape Girardeau residents aren't afraid to dream big, especially when it comes to the city's downtown.

First, there was a Vision 2020 brainstorming session. Those in attendance talked about a boardwalk, trackless trolley cars and a French Quarter theme. They envisioned a second-story walkway that would allow shoppers to enjoy another set of businesses while looking over the downtown area's protective floodwall along the Mississippi River.

Then there was Old Town Cape's annual meeting. The group is a volunteer-driven organization committed to revitalizing downtown. At that gathering, Old Town Cape's leaders announced plans to promote the neighborhood, improve the aesthetics, increase access, create a business attraction and retention program and partner with the city and Southeast Missouri State University in seeing the River Campus arts school become a reality.

All of that sounds wonderful but will be challenging to achieve. However, nothing worth doing was ever started without a dream and a plan.