Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Cape Girardeau

Commissioners/Meetings

The Historic Preservation Commission is comprised of nine Commission Members each serving three-year terms appointed by the City Council. Regularly scheduled meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. These meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions regarding an item that is on the agenda for the next meeting, please feel free to call the Planning Services office at (573) 339-6326.

More Information

Historic Preservation Month

Every May, the Historic Preservation Commission sponsors a walking tour for Historic Preservation Month. The walking tour is open to the public and highlights various historic homes, buildings, and landmarks. If you have been unable to attend any of the past tours, the handouts are available below.

Historic Districts/Landmarks

Local Historic District Frequently Asked Questions
Flowchart - Local Historic District Designation Process
Flowchart - How to Obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness

Cape Girardeau has a number of Historic Landmarks and Districts. Currently, Cape Girardeau's Local Registry consists of 18 Local Historic Landmarks and 1 Local Historic District. Cape Girardeau also has property listed on the National Register which includes 29 National Register Historic Landmarks (10 of these Historic Landmarks are on both the National Register and the Local Register) and 7 National Register Historic Districts. The City of Cape Girardeau has additional landmarks that contribute to the History of Cape Girardeau, but have not yet been added to a Local or National Historic Register.

The City of Cape Girardeau recently received a Historic Preservation Fund Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to prepare a National Register of Historic Places Nomination for the Courthouse Seminary Historic District, a district located south of the downtown area. This district is roughly bounded by Themis and Independence on the north, by Spanish Street on the east, by Morgan Oak on the south, and by Lorimier (buildings on both sides) on the west.

Often times, there can be confusion as to what the difference is between the Local Register and the National Register of Historic Districts and Landmarks. Listing on the National Register does not restrict the owner from doing anything to their property, however if the appropriate criteria are met, the property could be eligible for tax credits. Listing on the Local Register protects the historical integrity of the property. Before any exterior change can be made, property on the Local Register is subject to a process called Design Review to determine whether or not the proposed change will alter or preserve the historic qualities of the property. If the proposed change preserves the historic qualities, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be granted.

If you have property that is listed as a Local Historic Landmark or that is located within a Local Historic District, and wish to make exterior changes, you will need to get a Certificate of Appropriateness. Completed applications should be submitted to the Planning Services Office to be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.

You can make a Local Landmark nomination by completing a Historic Landmark Application. Completed applications need to be returned to the Planning Services office to be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.

You can make a Local Historic District nomination by completing a Historic District Application. Completed applications need to be returned to the Planning Services office to be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.

Design Guidelines

Boulevard Local Historic District

Other HPC Information

History & Responsibilities

In 1999, the Historic Preservation Commission contracted with Thomason & Associates to develop a Master Preservation Plan for the City of Cape Girardeau. This plan provides a thorough examination of historic structures in the community and offers recommendations on future activities.

The Historic Preservation Commission is continually "treasure hunting" and occasionally recognizes some of Cape's Original Treasures by placing recognition signs in the yard. Properties designated "Original Treasures" have architectural or historical significance and have been well preserved over time. These buildings have not been listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Local Landmark Registry. The building owners are typically ones that have either maintained the original architectural features of the structure or made improvements that blend with and maintain the architectural integrity of the home and the neighborhood. The structures must be at least 50 years old. The Commission welcomes nominations from all citizens of Cape Girardeau.

Helpful Links

Historical Facts Page for the City of Cape Girardeau, MO
Red House Interpretive Center
National Park Service
Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation
Planning Services for the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri
First do no Harm - How to Maintain Cemeteries
Historic Tax Credits - Missouri State Historic Preservation Office - DNR
Federal & Missouri State Tax Credits for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program