DOWNTOWN ADDS PAVILION

An open-air pavilion, which was approved in a master plan for downtown Cape Girardeau a decade ago, could become a reality over the next two months.

"Construction of the new pavilion should take about 60 days," said John Boardman, a Cape Girardeau architect who provided plans for the 72-by-20-foot structure, which will straddle the center island of the downtown parking lot on South Main Street. "We'd like to see it completed in time for use this summer."

Even though the concept for the open-air structure was okayed in 1981, the current Cape Girardeau City Council had to give its approval to the actual plans for the pavilion.

"That has been done," said Boardman. "We expect to see some work at the site within the next week or so."

Working together on the pavilion project are the Downtown Merchants Association, the Cape Girardeau Redevelopment Corporation, the Downtown Special Business District, and the city.

"We're excited about this project," said Charles McGinty Jr., president of the Downtown Merchants Association. "We're anxious to get construction under way."

The structure, which will be erected just south of the Independence-Main intersection, will cost an estimated $30,000 to $40,000, with the major portion of funding provided by the Downtown Merchants Association.

"We as downtown merchants have the responsibility to fund the project," McGinty said. "We raise money every year for different projects.

McGinty described the proposed pavilion. "It will look something like an old train station with big, wooden posts and some little brick walkways," he said. "We plan to have a flag pole and park benches. It will be a nice focal point for the area."

He added that the pavilion would be another physical reminder that the downtown area is making progress.

"We're always trying to show some sort of physical evidence of progress we're making downtown," said McGinty. "We have the antique clock and light posts, and the brick walkways. This is another physical reminder that we are making big progress."

McGinty said the city would not be involved in funding the pavilion, but the city has aided the project. "The city gave us the approval needed to allow the pavilion to be built on city-owned property."

The structure will essentially be like a park shelter: a roof with no walls. The pavilion will have electrical power.

"The building will be flexible in its use," said Evelyn Boardman, who was marketing director for the downtown area until recently. "It could be used as a farmer's market, as an auction site, stock-overflow sales by downtown merchants, and for other uses. It will be a wonderful way to display almost anything. It can be used for a multitude of purposes."

She said it could be used for art displays, car shows, and many association promotions. When the downtown merchants are not using the pavilion, it will be available for public use.