Southeast's vision of a Modern Campus Project that includes the Houck dual-role, multi-use comprehensive development made progress last week as the City of Cape Girardeau pledged to support the project with more than $10 million in funding.
“We’re very excited the City of Cape Girardeau is enhancing our long-standing partnership,” said Southeast President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “The City’s support is evidence of the transformative impact the Modern Campus Houck Project will make in redefining the front porch of the SEMO campus and revitalizing the gateway connecting the University and Cape Girardeau’s Downtown Business District.”
The new dual-role, multi-use comprehensive development is projected to increase new dollars spent in Cape Girardeau. An economic impact study completed in 2022 found that, in addition to the $14 million SEMO students add to the local economy annually, visitors to Southeast bring in another $7 million.
“The Houck Project will provide a significant benefit to our University and our community," said Southeast's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brady Barke. "Modern facilities aid in recruitment, while also providing opportunities to host playoff and championship events, band festivals, and other community events. All of these events have the ability to attract additional visitors and boost our local economy."
Project Quick Facts:
- The City’s contribution comes from revenue received from Century Casino Cape Girardeau dedicated for downtown projects.
- The University’s Modern Campus project includes the comprehensive redevelopment of the historic Houck complex that addresses aging facilities and infrastructure and will provide new competition, academic, and event and meeting spaces to enhance the student experience and the community.
- Construction of the first phase of the project (the rebuild of the south grandstand and improvements) is nearing completion for the fall soccer and football seasons.
- Planning and design are underway for the academic components and other phases, so total construction estimates and timelines are not yet finalized.
- The Modern Campus Project will require investments from multiple sources, including University sources; grants; city, state and federal funds; as well as private gifts and donations.