Missouri State receives award for IDEA Commons

Missouri State University officials have said that the IDEA Commons concept is a glimpse into the future of downtown Springfield, and at least one national organization likes what it sees.

The university was chosen as the 2009 Award of Excellence winner from the University Economic Development Association for the IDEA Commons. The school received the award in the community development category during the association's annual symposium Oct. 11-13.

IDEA Commons, which brings together innovation, design, entrepreneurship and arts to create an urban research park blended with residential, retail and entertainment uses, competed against 34 other entries; North Carolina State University and the University of Memphis were the other two finalists in the community development category.

"This award recognizes a significant effort by a UEDA member in assisting organizations to develop stronger communities," said Allen Kunkel, Missouri State's associate vice president for economic development, in a news release. "Being recognized by a national association, and by a group of our peers, reinforces the vision and impact that IDEA Commons will have on Springfield and the surrounding region."

The commons is centered on the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and will cover about 10 acres of downtown land, including the former Willow Brook Foods processing complex; the university received a $2.75 million federal grant in late September to rehabilitate that facility.