The future of the house, owned by Earl Norman, is currently undecided and students are developing a strategic plan, a historic structure report, and a furnishing plan that may guide the future of the house.
Dr. Joel Rhodes is leading the class, which he believes will strengthen their skills and potentially help not only the students, but Cape Girardeau as well.
"It’s critical to get our students out there and get their hands dirty. It not only puts more tools in their tool box for their future careers, but there are a lot of projects in Cape Girardeau that could really, really use their expertise and the Reynolds House is a perfect storm of circumstances," Rhodes said.
The Isle of Capri casino is set to begin construction across the street from the Reynolds House and have already agreed to help protect the house from demolition.
Dr. Rhodes and fellow faculty member Dr. Steven Hoffman will meet with the design team from the casino on Friday to discuss the future of the historic structure.
The casino is scheduled to open on January 1, 2012.
Matthew Caldwell, KRCU
