Panel adds more to list of Cape's treasures

The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission regularly selects buildings that embody important elements of the city's culture and history and places a sign in the yard identifying them as one of "Cape's Original Treasures."

Selections for spring 2005 are:

* 314 N. Lorimier St., built in 1892; owner is Tom Meyer.

* 506 North St., built around 1902; owner is Helen Kinnison.

* 513 S. Frederick St., build around 1895; owner is Rhoda Riley.

* 235 Good Hope St., built around 1900; owners are David and Sarah Cope.

* 1620 Bloomfield St., built around 1936; owner is John Jones.

Kinnison, owner of the North Street residence, said the house's clay roof is one of several features that kept her aware of the house every time she passed it on the way to the Cape Girardeau post office. When the house went up for sale, she acted quickly to buy it and has since discovered many more interesting features.

"The unique shape caused me to buy it," she said. "Some say it has a Swedish look."

The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission's purpose is to promote preservation when it makes sense to retain the building's character through maintenance.

Historically or architecturally significant properties that have been maintained or restored and are at least 50 years old may receive the designation from the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission.

Properties are not required by the commission to be restored to their original state but will not be recognized if original architectural designs have been eliminated by new construction.

To nominate a property, call Barbara Port at 335-1429.