Old Town Cape director shares optimism for downtown

More than 25 businesses opened in Old Town Cape's 130-block district of downtown Cape Girardeau in 2013 -- 14 of those along Broadway -- and the district continues to evolve.

Marla Mills, executive director of the not-for-profit downtown revitalization organization, spoke of downtown's progress and plans for the district Friday at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee at the Show Me Center.

Completion of the Broadway Corridor Project in October 2012 brought stronger and more sustainable businesses to downtown, Mills said, including El Sol, the Broadway Biergarten and many boutiques. More business openings are on the horizon.

Mills mentioned two businesses in particular that are coming soon: an Irish restaurant called Katy O' Ferrell's at 300 Broadway, in the building that housed the Royal N'Orleans restaurant, and a craft beer brewery.

Establishing a downtown Community Improvement District is moving along and could be finished by fall, Mills said.

The CID plans to provide services that will keep the district clean and safe, including trash and litter pickup around streets and security patrolling the district, said Jim Maurer, member of the downtown CID steering committee, in a previous interview with the Southeast Missourian.

Other plans by Old Town Cape for downtown Cape Girardeau include a new design on William Street that includes part of downtown, a Main Street streetscape project and an outdoor public art exhibition on Broadway.

The public art exhibition will open this year at seven locations, Mills said. For it to be possible, the city adopted a city public art policy, she said.

Cape Girardeau again will play host to two large events in 2014.

Mills said the National Corvette Caravan will be in town Aug. 24, and the Motorcycle Cannonball Run will visit Sept. 9.

ashedd@semissourian.com

388-3632

Pertinent addresses:

1333 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, MO

418 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO

William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO