RAY OF HOPE FOR OLD ST. FRANCIS BUILDING

Cape Girardeau has had its hands full with two deteriorating buildings: the old St. Francis Hospital and the Marquette Hotel.

Time and time again, new owners or the potential for sale of one or the other have raised hopes. But in the end, there has been no significant movement to revitalize either project.

The last out-of-town owner of the former hospital property talked big but produced absolutely no results.

But things may be looking up for the old St. Francis site. The new owners bring a well-documented track record to the table along with realistic expectations about local funding.

Phillips Cos. of Little Rock, Ark., purchased the property in April. It plans to raze the old building and construct multi-family rental apartments.

Recently, company representatives asked the City Council to put its condemnation proceedings on hold for 90 days. Councilmen expressed hope in approving the delay. That gives the company three months to make its best pitch for funding alternatives.

At least the company seems pragmatic. The city had set aside $500,000 from use-tax revenue to demolish both the former hospital and Marquette Hotel. But the city has better uses for those dollars. The new owners have accepted that fact and are looking elsewhere for demolition dollars. That's a good sign that the company is not just looking for a local handout.

Phillips' experience includes the construction of about 1,500 apartment units in Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri.

Action will certainly speak louder than words. But it is promising that the company has already hired a local company to cut the weeds, clean up debris and secure the building. In addition, the company has contracted with another local individual to keep trespassers off the property.

These appear to be good-faith signs from a company that is serious about developing the property. It is hoped the new owners of the old St. Francis hospital have the resources and wherewithal to finally make development of this site a reality.