DOWNTOWN CONTINUES TO IMPROVE

Many of the changes in the appearance of Downtown Cape Girardeau the last few years are due to efforts by the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation.

The group was formed about 10 years ago to make improvements in the downtown area. Before getting approval from the Cape Girardeau City Council to form the corporation, organizers had to outline a plan they would follow.

"The City Council passed an ordinance and the redevelopment corporation was formed to comply with that ordinance in these few blocks of downtown," said Charles Hutson, president of the corporation.

"Merchants passed a special business tax and formed a business district. Property owners tax themselves within the boundaries and the revenue has to be used back in the area where it was collected for public improvements."

The tax brings in about $13,000 a year, Hutson said.

The district runs from North Street to Merriwether and from Water Street up to and including Spanish Street.

Hutson explained the corporation is trying to keep with its theme outlined in the ordinance. "Our plans are constantly trying to follow those plans of the redevelopment ordinance as we get the money and a means to do it. There are a lot of things we want to address," said Hutson.

One of the most recent projects completed with district funds was a pavilion on the downtown parking lot, where a farmers market is held weekly during the summer.

Last year work on the intersection at Main and Independence was completed with benches and plants, while part of the intersection at Main and Independence was done. This year plans are to finish the Main and Independence intersection and then start work on the Spanish and Independence intersection.

One of the first projects the corporation completed was a clock at Themis and Main, which has become the focal point of downtown. The group has also purchased banners, improved lighting, purchased benches and plants for the area.

But while the corporation has led to some direct improvements in the appearance of downtown, Hutson believes its most significant work has been in encouraging property owners to upgrade their buildings and to recruit new tenants for downtown.

"At one time we were down to 60-70 percent unoccupied buildings, but because of the river area, we could not just let this part of town run down," said Hutson. "We have encouraged people to rehab the facade of their buildings and have loaned some money for them to do that. We have encouraged and solicited people to put in businesses, and there are people now living in downtown apartments."

By taking a gradual approach and following a plan, Hutson points out that the area is now almost totally occupied and the future of downtown Cape Girardeau is strong.

"Anyone who has been around Cape any length of time can tell we are making good progress here," summed up Hutson. "We should continue to progress and help this area remain a viable part of our community."