FOUNDATION MAKES OFFER FOR SEMINARY

The Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation has made an offer on the St. Vincent's Seminary property in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Becky Richey, president of the foundation, announced Tuesday that an offer was presented to realtor Thomas L. Meyer, who is serving as sales agency for the property, following a unanimous decision by the foundation board of directors.

Terms of the offer were not revealed.

"The goal of the foundation is to provide a quality museum for citizens of our area," said Richey. "We also foresee our facility as being a cultural center for the entire region."

Plans of the foundation include a national historic museum and art gallery to be housed in the 150-year-old seminary, a free-standing Civil War interpretive center, an amphitheater for summer musicals and stage production and a Civil War gun boat museum.

"This project will revitalize our historic downtown area with increased tourism and unite our city in a very positive way with this unique approach to economic development.

David Murphy, executive director of the foundation, added it is the goal of the foundation to continue with the original intent of the Vincentians of 150 years ago. "That was, and will continue to be, the education of all students of our region, both young and old. What better learning environment than this historic site."

St. Vincent's Seminary was founded in 1843.

"With the acquisition of the seminary, the people of the Cape Girardeau area will once again have the chance to witness the Mississippi River with a clear and unobstructed view," said Murphy.

Murphy added that since the foundation was founded a year and a half ago, it had received community support in its downtown revitalization efforts and is working to obtain local, state and federal funding for the project.