Discovery Center to be featured in IDEA Exposition

An open house at the Discovery Center is among the events planned for next week's IDEA Exposition.

The weeklong series of events, sponsored by Urban Districts Alliance, Missouri State University and St. John's Health System, is intended to showcase the plans behind the proposed downtown IDEA Commons. IDEA stands for innovation, design, entrepreneurship and arts, and the commons would create an urban research park blended with residential, retail and entertainment uses.

As part of the exposition, the Discovery Center is offering visitors a free chance to experience the facility.

The March 30 open house, which runs 6–8 p.m. also will feature demonstrations from St. John's Medical Research Institute scientists Keela Davis and Kara Childers. St. John's Medical Research Institute is an affiliate of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, which is the centerpiece of the IDEA Commons concept.

“St. John’s is committed to research, and we are optimistic the work being done at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center by St. John’s Medical Research Institute and other corporate affiliates will assist in promoting economic growth within our community,” St. John's CEO Jon Swope said in a news release.  

Other JVIC partners will also have booths on display for Discovery Center visitors to view exhibits and learn about careers in math and science with JVIC researchers.

Read Springfield Business Journal's April 5 issue for more about the IDEA Exposition.