Building a Better Downtown: MU's Plan for a Fun and Thriving Campus

The University of Missouri is on the hunt for developers to bring a new entertainment and hospitality district to campus. The goal? To make the area more lively, especially on game days, and give the local economy a boost. Think of places like the University of Tennessee or Iowa State University, and you get the idea. The university has three zones ready for development. The first zone is near the north campus and central business district, with spots like Fifth and Locust streets, Tenth and Locust streets, and University Avenue. The second zone is in the campus core, including areas around Flat Branch Creek and Stadium Boulevard. The third zone is near the athletic sports complex, covering the Hearnes Complex and Gustin Golf Course. Nickie Davis, the executive director of the Downtown Community Improvement District, is all for the idea but wants to keep downtown Columbia's historic charm. She's excited about the growth and hopes it brings more small, local businesses to the area. Davis also mentioned that these entertainment zones might have different rules, like noise ordinances and open container policies. As of now, the university is looking for developers to build hotels, restaurants, housing, and an entertainment district in these zones. Developers will be responsible for funding their projects, but the university is open to the idea of bonding if needed. A pre-submittal meeting for interested developers is scheduled for November 10, and applications will be accepted until January 9, 2026. Freshman Matthew Slaughter thinks this plan could bring more life to downtown Columbia, especially for juniors and seniors who live nearby.