Cape earns, deserves national downtown award

Employees of the Southeast Missourian have had a front-seat view of the revitalization of downtown during the past several years.

We've seen the landscape of Broadway change; we've watched as several empty buildings have sprung to life with new business. When we walk to a downtown lunch destination, we see the improved storefronts. We enjoy the riverfront walk on brisk spring days. We see the parents and the little ones walking into the children's museum. We've watched old cars parade through downtown, and cyclists zoom to the finish line. We've bought fresh produce, seen fireworks and gone to musical productions. We've covered the many stories of major renovations, from the River Campus to the Marquette building, from the river wall murals and Broadway sculptures to the opening of a new casino. We have been part of the revitalization, too. We celebrated the remodeling of the building at 301 Broadway more than 10 years ago, and we're proud of the history and vibrancy of this beautiful edifice at Lorimier's corner, truly one of downtown's gems. We are proud not just to be part of Cape's history, but also of its downtown resurgence.

We were not surprised when Cape Girardeau recently received the very prestigious Great American Main Street Award. But we were nonetheless thrilled for the recognition of our community.

The Main Street Award is a big deal. Because of this award, Cape Girardeau is getting national exposure, including a short story in USA Today.

Downtown Cape Girardeau is not a perfect place. There is still much room to grow and improve. But as we sit here today, downtown has been transformed from its state even just five years ago. There is no denying the downtown area is on the upswing.

This hasn't happened by accident. A lot of hard work and teamwork has gone into fertilizing Cape's roots. Cape's downtown is not a typical downtown. Many old towns have a town square. Cape Girardeau has the great fortune of sharing a riverfront. Our views of the great Mississippi River are breathtaking and unique. Cape's downtown view is unmatched. Even Hollywood producers took note of our landscape. The panorama from the old courthouse is the hook that landed "Gone Girl" to the city.

A decade ago, Cape Girardeau was in danger of losing so much of its downtown heritage. While several buildings still are unoccupied, the scene a decade ago was more than worrisome. But several people in the downtown area knew our city had too much to offer to see downtown crumble.

The Old Town Cape organization, now led by the capable and animated Marla Mills, has helped lead the resurgence. The city of Cape has played a key role as well, helping with many projects and providing support for countless events. The chamber of commerce, developers and event organizers all have played a large role. But it's the business owners, the risk takers, the visionaries who deserve the most credit, for they have put their money, sweat and time on the line. We'd like to thank all of those who had the courage to stay downtown, even when things weren't looking up, as well as those who saw potential and risked their capital, energy and futures on this quaint place on the river.

All of your efforts are paying off.

The downtown area saw a reinvestment of more than $6.6 million, gained 85 net new jobs and welcomed 34 new or relocated businesses over the course of just one year, according to a story reported by Samantha Rinehart. People want to be a part of downtown now. It's a very exciting time.

The vision of Cape Girardeau's downtown is coming alive because people have worked together for a common cause, shared their dreams, created a plan and patiently built momentum one block at a time.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part.

And congratulations, Cape Girardeau, for being named a "Great American Main Street Community."

It is a title well-deserved.