Holden order could save Marquette

Gov. Bob Holden issued an executive order Thursday requiring new state buildings and leased space to be in central downtown districts throughout the state, a move that could help efforts to preserve the Marquette Hotel in Cape Girardeau.

Prost Builders of Jefferson City, Mo., wants to renovate the vacant building on Broadway and lease office space to state agencies, including the Department of Social Services.

"This policy change supports downtown revitalization and historic preservation efforts in cities and towns of all sizes across Missouri," Holden said.

"It also makes good business sense and it is good customer service for state agencies to be available to the public in convenient, central areas," he said in issuing the order in Jefferson City. Holden's office of administration will implement the order.

While the relative cost of the proposals will continue to be a major factor in awarding contracts, the state now will give preference to historic buildings in downtown districts and other revitalization areas designated by cities. The policy had been in effect informally prior to the executive order.

Tom Neumeyer, city councilman, said the executive order should help efforts to save the hotel although ultimately its preservation could hinge on the developer reaching agreement on the sale price with the hotel's owner, Ruby Bullock.