Historic Preservation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission encourages and engages in activities pertaining to the preservation of the City’s historic resources. The Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining an inventory of surveys on historic properties as required by City ordinance and State law. The Commission also makes recommendations on nominations for Local Historic District and Local Historic Landmark designations.

The Commission reviews Certificate of Appropriateness requests for compliance with the City’s design criteria.

The Commission also serves in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to historic properties, such as Nation Register applications, planning and zoning applications, public projects, grants, and code amendments. A Master Preservation Plan was prepared in 1999 by Thomason & Associates under the direction of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Plan provides a thorough examination of historic structures in the community and offers recommendations on future preservation activities.

In addition to the above duties, the Historic Preservation Commission hosts a walking tour in one of Cape Girardeau’s historic districts each May in honor of Historic Preservation Month. They also engage in a number of programs that educate the community about the value of historic properties and historic preservation. These programs include the Endangered Buildings List and the Original Treasures Program.

The Historic Preservation Commission meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Meeting agendas are posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of (9) citizens, appointed by the City Council. Members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall serve three-year terms.