CID hopes downtown Columbia maintains historic character as MU seeks developers for entertainment district
COLUMBI, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri is looking for developers interested in helping create a new entertainment and hospitality district on campus a project aimed at boosting the local economy and enhancing the gameday experience for fans.
The university said its goal is to create an experience similar to the University of Tennessee and Iowa State University. There will be three development zones that the university has designated for developers:
Development Zone No. 1: North Campus/Central Business District
- Fifth and Locust streets north - .70 acres
- Fifth and Locust streets south - .80 acres
- Tenth and Locust streetd - .50 acres
- Hitt and Paquin streetd - .70 acres
- University Avenue .70 acres
Development Zone No. 2: Campus Core
- Flat Branch Creek - 12.3 acres
- Stadium Boulevard and Tiger Avenue - 6 acres
- Stadium Boulevard and College Avenue - 9 acres
Development Zone #3: Athletic Sports Complex
- Hearnes Complex - 34 acres
- Gustin Golf Course - 230 acres
Downtown Community Improvement District Executive Director Nickie Davis told ABC 17 News that maintaining downtown Columbia’s historic character will be an important factor moving forward.
“We are registered as a historic downtown. So keeping those vibes, if you will, would be great. Not bringing in something that looks totally opposite of what we have down here would be fantastic. But, you know, it's always cool to see a new, interesting building go up,” she said.
Since the project is still in its early stages, most business owners in downtown Columbia told ABC 17 News on Thursday they didn’t have any comment just yet.
However, Davis said she’s excited to see the university’s growth and supports creating more opportunities for the community.
“Hopefully that involves a lot of new small business, local business that would go into those areas,” Davis said. “I think it's great. That's super exciting. We all know we're a growing city, so any more added places that people can go to have fun, safe, fun is fantastic.”
As of Wednesday, the university is seeking potential developers to build new structures such as hotels, restaurants, housing and an entertainment district all within the three potential development zones near campus.
Davis said there are key differences when it comes to how these entertainment zones may operate.
“Entertainment districts, as I understand, their noise ordinance would be different than ours. Their open containers would be different than ours.” Davis said.
According to university spokesman Christopher Ave, developers will be responsible for all financial aspects of their proposed projects. While MU isn’t planning to use its own funds or bonding capacity, the university isn’t opposed to developers issuing bonds if needed.
The University of Missouri will hold a pre-submittal meeting for interested developers at 1 p.m. Nov. 10 and will continue to accept applications until Jan. 9, 2026.
MU freshman Matthew Slaughter believes the idea could bring more life to downtown Columbia.
“I feel like that would be really beneficial for more engagement for downtown life especially. I know juniors and seniors live more downtown, so it's a good way to involve them more down there,” Slaughter said.
