DOWNTOWN PROGRESS POINT OF PRIDE FOR CITY

The rejuvenation of downtown Cape Girardeau in the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable.

Last night, the Cape Girardeau City Council perused plans for an open-air pavilion merchants hope to build in the parking lot at the corner of Independence and Main Streets. It marks another step toward realization of a comprehensive redevelopment plan approved by the city in 1984.

Perhaps the most amazing part of the downtown transformation is that most of the improvements have been accomplished through private means. The new pavilion (estimated cost $30,000-$40,000) will be financed through a self-imposed downtown business district tax, merchant auction proceeds and donations. Merchants, residents and downtown advocates throughout the city have put their money where their hearts are.

It's getting harder to remember the doom and gloom that once dogged downtown. Less than 10 years ago, about 50 to 60 percent of the storefronts were unoccupied. Today, only about 10 percent are vacant. The mix of restaurants, shops and entertainment draws such a crowd that parking spaces are often at a premium, especially during the evening hours.

There are many individuals who warrant particular praise for their vision of downtown rebirth. Perhaps the secret to downtown's renewal is the fact these "movers and shakers" have made sure downtown's future was not limited to a few people. Downtown has been wisely marketed, not only as a viable business district and important part of our city's heritage, but as the door to one of our community's greatest assets: the Mississippi River. As such, these downtown advocates have recruited boosters citywide.

Individual efforts have been augmented by a number of organizations, including the Downtown Merchants Association, Cape Girardeau Redevelopment Corp., Main Street Levy District, and Downtown Parking Inc. These groups oversee most of the improvement projects, financed through various fund-raising projects and the business district tax. That tax - first levied in 1983 - raised nearly $12,300 last year from 83 taxpayers.

In addition to the many new businesses and restaurants since 1984, downtown can boast of a number of improvements including: the riverfront park and amphitheater; ornamental clock; old fashioned street lamps, benches and banners; intersection improvements; addition of numerous trees, flowers and plants; and the opening of the downtown visitor's center. A good indication of the downtown's renewed business strength is renovation of Boatmen's downtown banking facility. The area is also gaining a reputation for fashionable residential living.

Cape Girardeau's downtown growth provides a model of progress for other cities. The accomplishments of the past 10 years are a tribute to the vision and dedication of a few courageous leaders, merchants and investors who shared their dreams with an entire city.