Missourian building getting makeover for big anniversary

Construction crews working outside have restored the Southeast Missourian newspaper building's Spanish-style beginnings. Inside, crews have knocked out walls, installed new wiring and replaced the heating and cooling systems -- all with the goal of transforming the landmark structure into stylish, modern offices.

The project will result in a more aesthetically pleasing, creative and efficient work environment, said publisher and co-president Jon Rust.

"We want our folks to love not only what they do but the environment where they work, too," he said.

The interior work also will pay tribute to the building's history. The original mural paintings that once graced the building's front office space will be reinstalled.

The St. Louis architectural firm Kiku Obata & Co. designed the improvements.

Extensive construction work began in June. Crews expect to complete the exterior restoration in time for the newspaper's centennial celebration on Oct. 1.

The contractor, Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson, plans to finish the interior work by early next year, Rust said.

"Penzel has been doing a great job of keeping the project on schedule," he said.

The newspaper publishing company will spend more than $1 million on the project, helped out by federal and state tax credits.

The Southeast Missourian secured the tax credits because the federal government added the building -- with its ornamental balconies, arched windows and glazed-tile walls -- to the National Register of Historic Places on June 1.

The outside work included restoring three bay windows on the front of the two-story building at 301 Broadway as well as the original ornate front entrance.

It also involves tuck-pointing bricks and repairing the original Moravian tiles.

"We have repainted the window frames in the original blue color, which is much lighter and brighter," Rust said.

On Oct. 1, the Missourian will celebrate its centennial with a "block party" outside the newspaper building at Broadway and Lorimier Street and on the Common Pleas Courthouse lawn.

Flags and patriotic bunting will decorate the building's exterior for the centennial celebration.

The Missourian building won't be open for tours that day. Rust said that's because construction work continues inside the building.

But the newspaper's state-of-the-art press facility at 500 William St. where the newspaper is printed will be open for tours.

Shuttle buses will carry visitors from the block party to the press facility throughout the day, Rust said.