Buyer Closes Deal for SE MO Federal Building

The old federal building in Cape Girardeau has a new owner — but it isn't yet clear who that is.

The Southeast Missourian reports that even city and county officials remain in the dark about the new owner.

The U.S. General Services Administration announced Tuesday that it had received the final payment from the winning bidder for a total sale price of $325,015. A GSA spokeswoman says the new owner has not given permission to release his name. At the latest, the owner's identity will become public information when the deed is recorded.

The building was declared surplus property more than two years ago when a new federal courthouse opened in Cape Girardeau.

The Rev. Larry Rice wanted the old federal building for a homeless shelter but was denied.