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OLD DOWNTOWN

CAPE GIRARDEAU...

Main Street - Downtown Cape Girardeau (undated)


Life in the city of Cape Girardeau was focused on the downtown area from it's beginning in the late 1700's until the I-55 Interstate highway was opened to the west of town, in the mid 1960's.  Even though the majority of growth in Cape is now far removed from downtown, there has been a resurgence of interest and relocation of new businesses there in recent years.

Downtown River Front at Cape in early 1900's

Cape's Mississippi Riverfront was the lifeblood of the city well into the 1940's. Passenger and cargo service to the north began in 1902.  Freight and passenger train service ended in the 1960's and the train station was torn down to make room for a parking lot.  However, even today historic paddle wheelers cruising the mighty river destined for ports in  New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis make regular stops in the Southeast Missouri town, so passengers can explore the historic downtown areas. 

Main & Themis St. (looking West) early 1900's

With over 200 years of existence, many citizens and buildings have come and gone.   However, several fine examples of historic homes, buildings, and cemeteries still exist. 

45 N. Main St. Downtown Cape (today)

Local real estate brokers have specific calls for property in historic downtown Cape Girardeau.  Tom Kelsey with Lorimont Place, Ltd. has one of the largest downtown buildings available at 45 N. Main Street .  The property is in the heart of downtown and has over 10,000 square feet available for either sale or rental.  Kelsey said the property would be suitable for either retail, office, service, entertainment or restaurant uses.

As cities grow there is a trend to reflect back on their roots and preserve their heritage.  Downtown is evolving into prime locations for offices, entertainment  venues, restaurants, antique shops and specialty retailers.  Kelsey says he sees these trends to continue and the demand for downtown real estate to continue as cities like Cape continue to evolve.

(some of the historic information for this article courtesy of Rose City Net)

For Additional Information Contact:

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tkelsey@lorimont.com

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