MSU finalizes Willow Brook plant purchase

Missouri State University has closed on its purchase of the former Willow Brook Foods property, essentially completing the footprint for the school's IDEA Commons initiative.

Both parties signed the contract for the purchase last October. The purchase price for the 121,224-square-foot facility at 405 N. Jefferson Ave. was $1.98 million from MSU one-time reserves, according to an MSU news release.

The IDEA Commons initiative - bringing together Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts - is MSU's vision for an urban research park blended with residential, retail and entertainment facilities, supported by university programs. The university anticipates that the former Willow Brook facility will house MSU's technology and construction management department and house other academic and administration functions. Some of the space could be used by the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, the release said.

The former Willow Brook property also includes about 161 parking spaces.

"This facility and associated acreage will become an integral part of the IDEA Commons as that concept begins to take shape," said Ken McClure, MSU vice president for administrative and information services, in the release. "It will benefit not only university students, faculty and staff, but also the much larger Springfield community."

Urban Districts Alliance will present the IDEA Exposition June 2-5 to educate and engage the community on all aspects of IDEA Commons.