Old Town Cape touts success in 2013

Old Town Cape was busy in 2013.

In a recent presentation to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills told the group some impressive numbers.

The most impressive might be that more than 25 new businesses opened in Old Town Cape's district, which covers 130 blocks.

Mills said the city's Broadway Corridor project, helped along by Old Town Cape, brought stronger and more sustainable businesses to downtown. Two more businesses are coming soon: an Irish restaurant called Katy O' Ferrell's, which will move into the old Royal N'Orleans restaurant, and a craft beer brewery.

Old Town Cape, which is a not-for-profit downtown revitalization organization, also has been busy collecting support and signatures for a Community Improvement District. The CID plans to provide services that will keep the district clean and safe.

And two big events are on the horizon. The first is a National Corvette Caravan coming to town Aug. 24; the other is a Motorcycle Cannonball Run on Sept. 9. Both should bring thousands to the downtown area.

Downtown Cape Girardeau appears to be making progress. Hat's off to Mills and others involved with Old Town Cape for their efforts.