New foundation will manage Reynolds House

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - When Earl Norman talks about the Reynold’s House, he does so with a smile on his face.

Norman owns the property which was built in 1857 and it just happens to be on the doorstep of the Isle of Capri Casino. He smiles for good reason.

Norman has recently teamed up with the casino and the Historic Preservation program at Southeast to create a non-profit organization that will govern the future of the house.

"I think where we are headed now is a not for profit foundation that would involve the university and their program of historic preservation, the community, plus the casino revenues to help restore the building and maintain it long term," Norman said.

Students at the university are currently working to create plans that will find a functional use for the house, as well as providing steps for remediation.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

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Southeast students engaged in fate of Reynolds House

Southeast Missouri State University Historic Preservation students are helping decide the fate of the Reynolds House at 623 N. Main Street in Cape Girardeau, which was built in 1857. 

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

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