Our Mission

Old Town Cape is a community driven, nonprofit organization that utilizes the Main Street Approach™ to preserve, promote, revitalize, and enrich the historic, cultural, and economic landscapes of downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

67a23d99d5565037a02dd84f_River and Mural 5-min-p-2600

Our Vision

Old Town Cape imagines a thriving, diverse downtown that is cultured, historic, and the pulse of the community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We celebrate and recognize through meaningful engagement, the intrinsic value of all people. Old Town Cape commits to being a positive force for change and fostering equal access to opportunity within our community. Downtown Cape Girardeau is stronger and more vibrant because we embrace our rich diversity.

About

Main Street

Main Street America is a movement that grew out of the recognition that a community is only as strong as its core. In an era when many people had given up hope about the commercial and cultural viability of downtown, and when suburbs, shopping malls, and big box retailers were dominating the American landscape, this seemed like an unlikely proposition. But, over the last four decades, the Main Street movement has proven that downtowns are the heart of our communities.

Main Street Approach

About

The CID

The Downtown Cape Girardeau Community Improvement District was established through a petition process endorsed by city council in May of 2014 with revenue from the approved ½ cent sales tax beginning January 2015. It has a 7 member board to oversee its direction.

Learn More

About

Downtown Strategic Plan

The Downtown Cape Girardeau Strategic Plan is utilized by key stakeholders to provide a framework for the continued revitalization of our downtown community. The plan was adopted in 2019 by the downtown development team which includes the City of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Cape Girardeau Community Improvement District, and Old Town Cape.

Downtown Strategic Plan

About

Downtown Walking Tours

Downtown walking tours are a continuing partnership with the Southeast Missouri State University’s Historic Preservation Program. These self-guided virtual tours provide opportunities to explore the history of key buildings within the downtown district.

Downtown Walking Tour

Haarig Commercial District

What is the primary factor that draws you downtown? What keeps you coming back?

I’ve always been fascinated by how downtown cores come to be, how they’re shaped by ordinary people. So, being involved and trying to create a place that is more accessible, more vibrant, and more alive, for not only me but for the community, has been the major attraction. One of the things I like about Cape Girardeau is that it’s a small enough place that you can really get involved and make a difference, but it’s a large enough place that it really matters. Seeing these little wins accumulate over time his part of what keeps me coming back and staying engaged.

– Dr. Steven Hoffman

If you were to take a new friend downtown, what would you tell them before bringing them?

Walking is your best way to see all of the character, I would say. Just be open; you can’t be looking for a specific thing. It’s not like you’re going to Target and looking for something specific. You just gotta be open.

– Rndi Dirnberger

Do you have a particular memory about Downtown Cape that has stuck with you?

I remember going to the boat races on the riverfront with my Dad in the late fifties before the wall was built. There is a photo of this event in Victoria’s Creamery and I always tell my wife that’s me standing in the middle of the crowd on the riverbank.

– Danny Essner

What do you see your ideal day downtown looking like?

My ideal day downtown would involve starting my morning by grabbing coffee at a local coffee shop, and drinking it down by the river. Then, I would spend time shopping at as many businesses as I can, enjoying what each has to offer. I would also get lunch/dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the different ypes of cusine Downtown Cape Girardeau has to offer.

– Bail O’Neal

What event, sponsored by Old Town Cape or another group, do you look forward to the most and why?

We look forward most to the Tunes At Twilight series. Gathering outdoors with friends, in community, and enjoying fantastic free entertainment is a highlight to the beginning and end of summer.

– Jeanne Muckerman