Old Town Cape announced Monday it’s participating in a campaign called “Partners in Preservation: Main Streets.”
Old Town Cape could receive up to $150,000 in funding towards revitalization efforts at the Common Pleas Courthouse Park now known as ‘Ivers Square'. It was renamed in June of this year after former slave, James Ivers, who enlisted in the Union Army in 1863 after receiving his freedom.
Parker Butler, resource development specialist at Old Town Cape, says they’ll be enhancing the park in many ways that restore the historical value of the park.
“We plan to rebuild the roof on the gazebo to resemble what it looked like when it was built as a bandstand 100 years ago, make landscaping improvements to enhance the aesthetics of the park, restore our fountain to its former glory, and install signage to tell the story of James Ivers and his importance to the history of the city of Cape Girardeau,” said Butler.
He also says they selected the park for revitalization because of its potential for beautification, its significance to the city, and rich history.
Being one of 25 communities across the country invited to participate in ”Partners for Preservation,” Old Town Cape is encouraging the community to vote for Cape GIrardeau until the campaign ends on Oct. 31. Participating communities will be narrowed to a Top 10 by number of votes, who will receive the offered funds.
To vote up to 5 times daily, visit: voteyourmainstreet.org/capegirardeau, register, and click "Cape Girardeau".
