Renovation of hotel could begin in 90 days

Construction crews could begin restoring and renovating the Marquette Hotel within 90 days, says the head of the company that now owns the historic building.

Vaughn Prost, chairman of the board of Jefferson City, Mo.-based Prost Builders, said a sign soon will go up soliciting private tenants for the building. The state will be the building's primary lessee, occupying offices on three of the renovated floors.

A restaurant and retail shops will be sought for the first floor and mezzanine. The public area on those floors is to be restored in accordance with the building's listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The types of restaurants and businesses that would be appropriate are "wide open," Prost said.

The company and the Department of Natural Resources are discussing how much of the building will be restored to its historic state and how much will be adapted for new uses. "How that is to be done is a matter of some negotiations," Prost said.

Prost will install two new elevators. The existing elevator shaft is too small to use. "Some of the character will be saved in the original elevator lobby," Prost said. "Some of the corridors will be preserved to a certain extent."

Prost Builders bought the seven-story building on Broadway last month after landing a state contract to provide office space. The building had sat vacant for 21 years. The city of Cape Girardeau at one point threatened to tear it down.

An executive order signed by Gov. Bob Holden giving priority to leasing state office space in historic downtown buildings made the sale possible. Prost paid $350,000 for the 74-year-old hotel. The company plans to spent $6 million on the renovations.

About 100 employees in the departments of Health and Senior Services, Mental Health and Social Services will occupy three floors of the building when it reopens.

Prost said it's possible the roof may also be developed. "It has a dramatic view. There could be outdoor dining possibilities on the roof," he said.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182