New downtown plans float giant cashew statue as a symbol of Springfield’s ambitious future

Clarification: David Leong still owns Leong's Asian Diner in Springfield.

A prominent developer recently unveiled a vision for the next evolution of downtown Springfield in front of dozens of city officials and business leaders.

Among site plans and logo redesigns was a vision for a massive, golden art installation.

"What if we did a giant sculpture of a cashew?" asked Mat Burton of Vecino Group.

Curvaceous and crunchy, the cashew is the keystone ingredient in Springfield's culinary claim to fame — Chinese-American cashew chicken, a brainchild of restaurateur and veteran David Leong.

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Burton said the cashew could be an artistic embodiment of the fun, entrepreneurial spirit, community pride and creative push that local leaders hope will redefine Springfield's forward trajectory.

Vecino Group, Missouri State University, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and others have partnered to transform the Idea Commons, which covers several blocks between downtown and Chestnut Expressway. The plan was first announced nine months ago.

Designs were publicly revealed for the first time during a Wednesday meeting with City Council, the chamber's board and other leaders.

Currently, the Idea Commons is home to several facilities, including the eFactory, a space for startup companies; the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, which houses more established, high-tech companies; and Brick City, home to the university's art programs.

Those facilities are now full, said MSU President Clif Smart, and Idea Commons is ready to expand.

"This series of projects could be a tremendous catalyst for the continued rebirth, renovation of this whole area," Smart said.

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Smart said the university will first focus on a proposed 30,000-square-foot expansion of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center.

Now is not the time to dream small or take incremental steps, Burton said.

The reimagined Idea Commons features a new "Eureka Park" with fountains bearing the words "A-ha!" The looming Missouri Farmers Association silos are transformed into blank canvases for works of digital art or advertisements for community events. Dilapidated structures are replaced with or renovated into gleaming office buildings.

The current Idea Commons doesn't have a cohesive sense of identity, Burton said. There needs to be better connectivity to downtown, more density and "a sense of fun."

There could be signs bearing the Idea Commons' revamped logo, displays celebrating local companies and advertising that helps "shape the narrative that Springfield is always thinking," Burton said.

Parking will be a major challenge, he said. A preliminary design features a five-story parking garage nestled next to the eFactory.

Bringing Jordan Creek above ground to create an urban stream is also a part of the conversation. The city's Director of Planning and Development Mary Lilly Smith said daylighting a portion of the creek, west of the innovation center, is one project that could be paid for with revenue from the level property tax, which was renewed by voters in November.

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Burton told the News-Leader that project leaders will spend the next year finalizing designs and securing investments. There are several moving pieces, he said, which complicates things. They hope to begin construction the year after that.

The transformation of Idea Commons is one piece in a bigger effort to plan a path forward for Springfield's growth.

Chamber President Matt Morrow said, "We want to be the most vibrant metropolitan area in the state, maybe in the entire region."