SIGNS POINT TO CAPE'S TREASURES

Cape Girardeau needs to recognize its historic treasures whether they are local landmarks, listed among the ranks of the National Register of Historic Places or just homes and buildings that have been well preserved over time.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission has approved a yard sign program that will recognize property owners for their efforts to maintain, preserve and restore the community's older homes.

The program will be administered by the commission, whose members vote on which properties should be recognized. The homes are typically ones that have either enhanced their architectural integrity or made improvements that conform to the character of the neighborhood.

Several yard signs were posted this week.

"Our purpose is for the public to see these and say I could do that,'" said Barbara Port, a commission member.

It gives recognition to the property owners and to the historic preservation commission. The homes being nominated are not listed as local landmarks nor have they been placed on the national register.

"We want a good cross-section," Port said. Homes 50 years old or more are being considered.

Often, older homes and historic properties end in such disarray and disrepair that they are torn down because they can't be salvaged, she said.

People must realize what is worth saving and what can't be restored, Port said.

"You can't preserve everything," she said. But you can retain the character of the building if it is maintained, she added.

The first homes being recognized are at 344 N. Ellis St., 1500 Parkview, 14 Morgan Oak and 135 S. West End Blvd.

The commission hopes to recognize homes as "one of Cape's original treasures" quarterly throughout the year.

Commission members now make the suggestions but the program could be open to public suggestions later, Port said.