Broadway project moves into 500 block

Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct the name of a source.

Cape Girardeau's Broadway corridor project is continuing into the street's 500 block.

The move means some businesses will have to close their front doors and reroute traffic to a rear entrance for the first time, while others will be reopening their front entrances.

Businesses in the 500 block include Shivelbine's Music, Discovery Playhouse, Naray's House of Style, Miller Barber & Beauty Supply and Bob's Shoe Service.

"We haven't seen a noticeable decline in business. We've been aggressive at redirecting customers to the rear entrance via social media and word-of-mouth," said Laurie Everett, owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques at 536 Broadway.

Everett said customers should park in the rear and use the rear entrance.

Sarah Powell, interim manger of Discovery Playhouse, said: "Business hasn't really dropped."

However, the true test for the not-for-profit children's museum will come Wednesday, she said. Discovery Playhouse has a large event planned that will test whether the Broadway closing impedes customers. The museum has moved its entrance to the rear of its building as well.

"I do foresee the project benefiting our business," Powell said.

The expanded sidewalk will make it safer and easier for families with children to cross the street to the children's museum, she said.

The total cost of the project is $4.5 million and work is moving east to west on Broadway from Water Street to Pacific Street.

"The project is ahead of schedule," said Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. Mills said that while the construction was a challenge for businesses, she hadn't heard that businesses were struggling with the block closures. Construction is limited to three weeks on each block.

The Southeast Missourian, at 301 Broadway, will reopen its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m. today at its front entrance. Monday afternoon the 300 block was partially open, but rain stopped work. The entire 300 block is expected to open today.

The project includes new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and street overlay. The city's Development Services Division contracted with Fronabarger Concreters for street and sidewalk replacements, as well as utility relocation. This phase of the project is set to be complete by early November. Beautification of the street will be done later. The full project should be complete by early April.

More information about accessing local businesses while the Broadway project is underway is available at betterbroadway.wordpress.com/whos-downtown.

rovermann@semissourian.com

388-3688

Pertinent address:

500 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO