Discovering new treasures

Every three months, the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission selects buildings that embody important elements of the city's culture and history whose property owners have improved or maintained the structure in a manner that enhances or protects their architectural integrity. The commission's selections are distinguished by yard signs identifying the properties as "One of Cape's Original Treasures." Signs remain in the yard for three to four months.

Selections for Winter 2004 to 2005 include:

* River Oaks Apartments, numbers 231, 233 and 235 S. Spanish St., c.1915; owners are Gary Michael Ton and Dawn Ton

* 333 N. Main St., c. 1900; owner is David Knight

* 225 Independence St., c. 1890; owners are James and Barbara Morgan

* 1000 N. Clark at New Madrid streets, c. 1900; owner Jeff Kemp

* 1620 Bloomfield, St. c. 1936; owner John Jones

The purpose of the commission is to promote preservation when it makes sense by retaining the building's character through maintenance.

John Jones, owner of a "California-style" home on Bloomfield St., said, "This was our primary residence for 66 years; recently we downsized to a condo. It's been in the family since June 1937 when my father F.C. Jones purchased it. It was built between 1935 and 1936 by Dr. N.F. Costner, who passed away Nov. 13, 1936."

The home has a Southwestern feel with bright, sunny spaces.

Outstanding interior features include an Aztec fireplace the original owner brought back from one of his trips. Stone relief blocks complement the fireplace's opening. The home sits on an acre and a half of wooded property complete with a guest house and small pond within the city limits of Cape Girardeau.

Historically or architecturally significant properties that have been maintained or restored and are at least 50 years old may receive the designation from the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Committee.

Jones was pleased when he discovered the home had been nominated as an Original Treasure. "When you live in a house all your life you're kind of taken aback somewhat when you find out you're nominated for this honor," he said.

The properties are not required by the commission to be restored to their original state but will not be recognized if original architectural designs have been eliminated by new construction. To nominate a property, call Barbara Port at 335-1429.