Cape building free if someone moves it

~Prost Builders wants to use the space at 224 N. Middle St. as additional parking for the Marquette Centre.

* For sale: 1930s one-story, Spanish-style stucco building

* Location: 224 N. Middle St.

* Asking price: Free

* Seller's condition: New owner must pay cost to transport the structure and have space to set it down.

That's what the classified ad might look like for a building in Cape Girardeau that is set to be demolished but could still be saved with the help of a benefactor.

"I think it would be a rewarding experience for someone who tries to take it on," said historic preservationist and consultant Terri Foley, who hatched the idea. "It would be great if someone would take it and find a use for it since it's free."

The building, which dates to 1930, is divided into two units and has been used as offices for a series of doctors and dentists for as long as anyone can remember.

Bill Whitlow of Prost Builders recently purchased the squat structure, planning to tear it down and use the space as additional parking for the Marquette Centre.

But when Whitlow was approached by Foley about moving it, he agreed it might be a good idea. "We'll contribute what we would have paid to tear the building down," Whitlow said. "I'd be glad to see somebody save it."

Foley contacted Expert Moving Co. of St. Louis, a firm specializing in moving permanent structures. The company has moved buildings across the country ranging from lighthouses to courthouses to mansions.

EMC estimated moving the building would cost between $30,000 and $50,000, according to Foley.

The building in question was built by A.H. Gerhardt, whose family-owned construction firm erected many other buildings in town, including the Spanish-influenced Southeast Missourian building at 301 Broadway, built in 1924.

Other buildings around Cape Girardeau with similar Spanish Colonial Revival design include the Marquette, the Surety Insurance building and the old Hecht's Store. The style was popular nationwide in the early part of the 20th century. Contrary to popular belief, the local buildings have nothing to do with Cape Girardeau's own Spanish colonial heritage.

"We were more of a political ownership from Spain, so there weren't many Spanish colonists," Foley said.

Still, she believes the building has value.

"If it was left in its original location, it would be eligible for the National Registry of Historic Places," she said, adding "I think it's worth saving. It's a great example of Spanish architecture style that became popular here."

One former tenant of the building remembers it well. Dr. George Farrar owned the building from 1953 to 1988 and operated his dental practice there.

It was a convenient location at the time because the west wasn't as built up as it is now, Farrar said. "Then again, there wasn't as much competition back then. When I moved in, there were only 12 dentists in town, including Jackson and Scott City and the area."

But Farrar isn't overly nostalgic for the place where he saw patients for 30 years. "To be honest, it's in such bad repair I hope they do tear it down. It wasn't very well taken care of after I moved out. The best thing to do would be to just tear it down."

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245