SEMO buildings, downtown properties among Cape endangered sites

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission has released its 2026 Endangered Buildings List and Watch List, highlighting historic properties believed to be at risk because of deterioration, neglect or possible demolition.

The lists were adopted April 15 and are intended to raise public awareness about historically significant buildings and structures throughout the city. Officials said the designation does not constitute legal action or enforcement against property owners.

Properties added to the 2026 Endangered Buildings List include the Meyer Building at 620 Good Hope St., a 1916 commercial building in the Haarig Commercial Historic District; a Queen Anne-style home at 510 S. Frederick St.; and the former Brandt Hall at Southeast Missouri State University, which the university plans to demolish because of structural concerns.

Other buildings on the endangered list include the former F.W. Woolworth Co. building at 1 N. Main St., the Surety Savings and Loan Association building at 318/320 Broadway, and multiple homes in the Courthouse-Seminary and Haarig historic districts.

The Watch List includes several additional historic properties considered vulnerable, including the former Juden School, the Art Building and Cheney Hall at Southeast Missouri State University, the Pure Ice Co. building on South Ellis Street and the historic KFVS radio tower near Kingshighway and Boulder Crest Drive.

The commission said the lists are meant to encourage preservation efforts and increase awareness of the city’s historic architecture.

2026 Endangered Buildings List – Historic Preservation Commission Issues Call for Nominations for 2026 Endangered Buildings List – City of Cape Girardeau