From Vacancy to Vibrancy: Old Town Cape opens downtown spaces to future businesses

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Old Town Cape will open the doors to vacant downtown commercial properties Thursday, giving prospective business owners a chance to tour available spaces and learn more about resources for starting a business.

The Downtown Vacant Commercial Property Open House is designed as a low-commitment way for people interested in opening a business downtown to see several available properties before contacting individual property owners.

Old Town Cape Executive Director Alix Gasser said about 10 properties are expected to be included in Thursday’s event.

“It gives them an opportunity to see lots of different spaces, to see what they could imagine in those spaces,” Gasser said. “It’s an exciting way to get folks that are interested in having a business downtown to get in and see all the different spaces that are available.”

Gasser said Old Town Cape has hosted similar events in the past as part of its efforts to fill vacant storefronts and attract new businesses downtown.

The organization can also help prospective business owners connect with local resources if they find a space they are interested in.

“Old Town Cape has a ton of resources,” Gasser said. “So if you’ve got an idea, you go on this tour, you see a space, you’re like, ‘I’ve got a business idea. I see the space that I want, but I’m not sure how to get the steps together.’ We can actually help those businesses connect to those resources.”

Visitors do not have to tour every property. Gasser said people can stop at one location or visit all of the participating spaces. Maps and information about the properties will also be available.

Old Town Cape typically holds the commercial property open house twice a year. Another event is planned for the spring.

“Downtown Cape is thriving, and so there’s lots of opportunity there,” Gasser said. “If you have an idea or you’re thinking of it, this may be the time. This is the time. Go check it out.”

Old Town Cape is also preparing for several fall events, including its annual Revivify: Farm to Table fundraiser Oct. 11.

The Farm to Table event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. on Spanish Street and feature a four-course meal prepared by local chefs using ingredients sourced from farmers at the Cape Riverfront Market.

The fundraiser will also include live music, a silent auction and other activities. Proceeds support Old Town Cape’s efforts to promote and revitalize downtown Cape Girardeau.

Tickets for Revivify: Farm to Table are $100 per person and are available through Old Town Cape.