Giving Tuesday
On July 24th, 2023, The Mary Ann and Bert J. Kellerman Foundation saved a legacy. On that date, they purchased the 401 Independence St. structure, saving it from demolition.
The structure, built in 1937, was constructed to serve as the second Lorimier School, was a WPA project (Works Progress Administration) that provided work and relief during the Great Depression. The original Lorimier schoolhouse was built on the property in 1871. The new Lorimier School served the downtown area district’s children and their families for nearly 40 years. In 1978, the City of Cape Girardeau secured the space that would serve as the area’s City Hall and municipal space until 2022.
MULTI-USE SPACE MUSEUM
Many of us in the area have a nostalgic feeling for this large, brick stretch of structure, purely from sight, as a landmark that serves as a segway into our bustling, downtown riverfront district. Its historic presence spreads across a nearly 3-acre expansive lot, neighbored with the newly built Federal Building, which includes 16,000 sq. ft. of interior space along with a 1.8-acre greenspace, known as City Hall Park, and a large capacity parking lot.
- A home for new and existing exhibits of Heritage Hall.
- A fine arts museum featuring the nationally recognized art of M. Charles Rhinehart.
- A Civil War exhibit space and other military history exhibits to showcase American military history and share the stories of veterans who have served our country.
- A preservation and research space for the archival collections of many monumental, well-known structures of the area, as well as important contributions pieces by local architects, businesses, families, and founders that shaped our area.
- An educational space for all ages, featuring programs throughout the year that are focused on our southeast Missouri riverfront region.
- A large venue for music performances, festivals, workshops, and other outdoor events!
- A high-end resale boutique, The Ginkgo Shoppe, which will offer art, apparel, and household furnishings/fixtures, with requests for fine items, antiques, and furniture.
- Other considerations include office space for arts, architecture, and other specialty services.
IMPORTANT GOAL
This is a sizable rehabilitation/restoration project, much like the Klostermann Block rejuvenation project of the 1990’s, which we all know and love as current & past business favorites, such as Mollies, The Digital Foundry, Celebrations Downtown, Ebb & Flow, Dalhousie Restaurant, and The Kelsen Gallery.
Since its purchase, past gifts have gone towards the roof replacement of the 16,000 sq. ft. structure, as well as the repair, maintenance, and replacement of HVAC components and existing plumbing to prepare the space for public use. Grants have been awarded that will help us achieve many important goals as we continue this project, but the Kellerman Foundation needs YOUR HELP!!! On this Giving Tuesday, please consider a donation to help the project efforts afforded towards this great space!
All donations will be matched by a generous supporter of the foundation’s mission.
Volunteers
If you have an interest in becoming involved, please join the Foundation as a valued volunteer in this community endeavor. There are many different ways to become involved as we continue to expand this building’s pivotal role with the support of the community. The link to volunteer application can be found below:
Thanks for your time, gifts, and love towards this project! See you there!
The Kellerman Foundation, a 501 c3 organization, established in 2012, its mission is to protect & preserve the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of Southeast Missouri.