Missouri launches new university center in KC area

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- University of Missouri officials are turning their attention to the Kansas City area with an open house for the new "Mizzou Center" in Blue Springs.

The event was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in leased quarters in the Kansas City suburb. The rented office space is the first step toward a center that will include university research and economic development offices.

The city of Blue Springs is building a a 500-acre biological services complex called Missouri Innovation Park that will feature the university as its anchor tenant.

University leaders planned to announce the Mizzou Center's new director at the open house.