Much is happening in downtown Cape

Downtown Cape Girardeau got its start the same way as other river towns. As the earliest European settlers arrived, they relied upon the Mississippi River as a major source of transportation, and it was logical to establish trading centers that were easy to get to and convenient for merchants and customers alike.

That same trend continued as other modes of transportation were developed during the vast westward expansion of the nation. Heavily traveled trails became roads, with towns located at strategic points. Railroads began to determine the fortunes of towns. Eventually, modern highways became the magnet for commercial development.

Downtown Cape Girardeau prospered with a riverfront commercial area that was served by the old camino real (which eventually became Kingshighway but relocated farther west) and a rail line that went right along the river's edge through the downtown area.

But with the development of a major highway (U.S. 61-Kingshighway) on what was then the inland edges of Cape Girardeau, trade moved west. This was followed by the completion of Interstate 55 even farther west, and again commercial development followed suit. As a result, Cape Girardeau has three distinct commercial areas: downtown, along Kingshighway and on both sides of I-55.

In recent years, the downtown area -- which generally includes long stretches of Broadway, Independence and Morgan Oak -- saw radical change. Prosperous businesses were lured to shopping centers and strip malls.

Even though several businesses maintained a fierce loyalty to their downtown locations, there were an equal number of empty storefronts. Gradually, downtown became an entertainment center with restaurants, bars and nightclubs mixed in with longtime merchants.

For several years, there have been a variety of efforts to spark a major rejuvenation of downtown. From all appearances, it looks like downtown is getting its biggest push ever, thanks to multimillion-dollar investments in some major projects.

The new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge may open by the end of the year, providing not only a much-needed upgrade in crossing the river, but also better access to downtown. William Street from Sprigg Street to the downtown area already has been widened.

The Southeast Missouri State University River Campus is about to be developed, which will provide a major anchor on downtown's south end with its arts campus, museum and visitor's center.

The makeover of the Marquette Hotel on Broadway into a state office building is coming right along. And work will begin soon on the new federal building overlooking the river from its location next to City Hall on Independence Street.

There's quite a bit more going on downtown as well. Commercial buildings and homes are being renovated. First Presbyterian Church has an addition under way. New murals are about to be added to the floodwall. Fountain Street is about to be built from the new bridge to Morgan Oak.

Downtown is showing welcome signs of activity and prosperity. If you haven't been downtown recently, take a look. It's worth the visit.