Historic Preservation Commission seeks nominations for endangered buildings list

The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting nominations for its 2015 Endangered Buildings List.

Created in 2012, the list helps the commission promote awareness of historic "at risk" buildings in the community. Vacancy, deterioration and likely demolition are threats typically facing buildings on the list. Last year's list featured more than a dozen buildings, including the Broadway Theater and Esquire Theater on Broadway and the Fort D Blockhouse, 920 Fort St.

City planner and staff liaison for the historic preservation commission Ryan Shrimplin said the goal of the list is to inspire positive change.

"We're not pointing fingers" at property owners, he said. Rather, the commission hopes to connect property owners with groups and individuals interested in helping restore historic buildings.

For that process to begin, the building first needs to be nominated for the endangered buildings list. Shrimplin said anyone can submit a nomination, even if they are not a property owner or do not have direct ties to the building. The city averages about nine nominations a year, with some coming from the public and others coming from students involved in the Southeast Missouri State University Historic Preservation Program.

"We certainly encourage anyone to submit a nomination," Shrimplin said.

Those submitting nominations should include a photo of the building in its current condition, along with a brief explanation of the building's historic significance, why it is endangered and possible steps to save it. The deadline to submit nominations is March 10.

Nominations will be reviewed at a March 18 meeting and the list will be finalized at an April 15 meeting, both of which are open to the public and will be in the council chambers at city hall. Shrimplin said once the commission adopts the list, staff send a letter notifying the owner.

Nominations may be submitted online at cityofcapegirardeau.org or mailed to Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission, 401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Those with questions may call 339-6327 or email Shrimplin at rshrimplin@cityofcape.org.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

805 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

824 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

920 Fort St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.