UNIVERSITY CLASS URGES RESTORATION OF MARQUETTE HOTEL

Students in a Southeast Missouri State University architecture class are trying to spawn interest in renovation of the Marquette Hotel on Broadway.

At Wednesday night's Historic Preservation Commission meeting, several members of Southeast's History of American Architecture class presented a report the class drafted on the hotel's historical and architectural significance.

The report urges the city and residents to take steps to assure the building's renovation in lieu of the "wrecking ball."

Members of the Cape Girardeau City Council recently have asked that the deteriorated building, owned by Thad Bullock, be demolished because of safety concerns. The hotel was closed in 1971 for health department violations.

Becky Ebenreck, a student in the class, told the commissioners of the building's condition, and another student, Tina Jacobs, explained the class' recommendations for its restoration.

Jacobs said the upper floors likely would have to be "gutted" and completely restored, but that the building appears to be structurally sound.

"The Marquette Hotel can be saved and could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the entire downtown area," the report said. "The uniqueness and grandness of the Spanish Revival style must be realized and Cape Girardeau needs to be made aware of the treasure it has."

The students said the city's economy and a growing trend in students' preference to live off campus could make restoration of the hotel feasible.

"Public awareness and education are the key points," the report said. "Cape Girardeau citizens should be made aware that the Marquette is the only historic hotel left in the city."

Long-term plans for the hotel could include declaration of the site as a local landmark, and eventually a designation on the National Historic Register.

The report said: "Public interest would, hopefully, encourage the city administration to aid in finding a buyer or investment group that would like to restore and renovate the hotel back to the late 1920s and early 1930s style."

Suggested use of the hotel includes apartments on the upper floors and restoration of the lobby and mezzanine floors for a public restaurant and other shops.

City Planner Kent Bratton said the city currently is continuing talks with developers interested in purchasing the former hotel.

"The city staff met with some developers last week, and we sincerely hope that a package can be put together," he said. "It's not a dead issue."

Jacobs said restoration of the building would create new business and help stimulate Cape Girardeau's economy.

"The Marquette Hotel can be saved as a viable economic investment and can become once again an asset to the city of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding region," the report concluded.