MERCHANTS WORK TO BUILD DOWNTOWN VITALITY

Evelyn Boardman looks out on Cape Girardeau's downtown and sees lots of building energy.

Boardman, a representative of downtown merchants, said downtown residents -- those who do business and those who live there -- have worked together to keep the area viable.

Downtown shopping districts never attract large chain stores, but Cape Girardeau does have a few anchors of its own: churches, a television station, radio station and newspaper office. Specialty shops, restaurants and family-owned retailers are popular attractions.

"It's just a lovely little community downtown," Boardman said. "It's hometown and people trying to make their businesses viable."

Many customers shop downtown because they can find something chosen with care that can only be found in a specialty shop. Even with the flair of specialty shops, the core of downtown remains intact.

Downtown dwellers have worked together to create an area that attracts recreation and retail as well as apartments and homes.

"We have an awful lot of interest in apartments down here and a lot of interest in buildings," she said. "We don't have enough buildings for sale, which is kind of a nice problem."

Merchants annually plan projects to keep the area looking good and running smooth. An auction will be held May 5 with a Kentucky Derby theme. Last year the auction raised a record $18,000. The event annually raises more than $10,000. The money is used to decorate street corners, plant trees and install lighting.

Merchants installed a sound system along a two-block area downtown. Six speakers have been installed in each block, providing background music for shoppers. The music can be seasonal and is changed on a regular basis.

The project planned for this year will be ground lighting along the Mississippi River floodwall. In the future, Boardman said, merchants plan to outline the tops of downtown buildings with lights similar to a section of downtown Kansas City. "That will take a little time to accomplish," she said.

A project accomplished last year was painting of a colorful mural on the floodwall. The mural depicts famous Missourians and carries forward a project to decorate the city with murals.

While the character and energy attract some shoppers and owners to the downtown area, new streets could help persuade others.

Downtown merchants look forward to a number of new construction projects like the Mississippi River bridge, the extension of Lexington Avenue and development of the Boyd Gaming Co. gambling facilities.

The Cape Girardeau City Council has approved first reading of a contract with Boyd. The agreement could be finalized March 4.

The Boyd development calls for a $51.1 million project just north of the Broadway Street floodgate. The development would include a 1,600-passenger riverboat casino, parking garage and other land-based developments, including a restaurant, lounge and boarding facilities.

In addition, the company will be involved in street improvements throughout downtown to help traffic flow to and from the casino.

Downtowners are hopeful that the improvements will benefit downtown businesses.