Reynolds House fate still undecided

The Reynolds House won't become a coffee shop, antique store or office building — yet.

After about two hours of discussion, members of the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau's board of directors ended a meeting Monday to decide the building's future. No decision was made.

"We're still thinking, trying to weigh all the possibilities. It's a hard decision, with lots to think about. We don't want to make a snap decision," said Donna Grantham, the association's president.

Grantham said she did not know when a decision would be made and did not know what the next step would be. The historical association has owned the 151-year-old Reynolds House since 1982.

The building had fallen into disrepair, but a $50,000 anonymous donation recently allowed the house to be stabilized. Before more work is completed, directors said a purpose for the building must be determined.

But before they can decide, Grantham said directors will need to talk to "various people" to determine the community's needs and who might be interested in using the space.

Dan Cotner, the past president of the historical association, said the administration currently would be unable to "manage a business."

He said the association is discussing whether the building should be sold or if the association should share the space. Determining the value of the home has proved to be challenging, he said.

Regardless of whether the building is sold, both the association and the family who deeded the association the house, the Gerhardts, want the historical nature of the home to be maintained.

Nathan Cromwell, who lives in the Red Star District near the home, said he would like to see the building restored to how it looked in the 1800s. "There's residential houses there, why would you put commercial?" he asked.

But directors said the area does not need another touring home, because there already is the Glenn House.

"We all know that probably this town does not need another house-museum, per se," Grantham said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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