MORE PLANS FOR CAPE GIRARDEAU'S DOWNTOWN

The former Buckner-Ragsdale building in downtown Cape Girardeau has been vacant a long time. The news that it may once again become a centerpiece of downtown activity is good news.

The two-story building, which dates back to 1916, is scheduled to become the home of a new microbrewery and restaurant.

Cape Girardeau's downtown has been thriving in recent years with few vacant buildings. Several new businesses have opened, and others have expanded in the historic business district. Downtown, with its shops, pubs and eateries, has found a niche.

But the Buckner-Ragsale building had continued to be a tough sell because of its size. At one time, the property was under option by Boyd Gaming Corp., which had plans to bring a floating casino to town. Those plans never materialized.

Microbreweries are springing up across the nation, and in many cases prove popular in historic downtowns. The concept is likely to be successful in Cape Girardeau as well.