When students arrive on the Missouri State University campus for move-in this August, about 400 of them will live in a highly anticipated, brand-new residence hall at 811 S. Holland Ave. 

Today, the Missouri State University Foundation announced the property’s name: Heitz House.  

The university closed on the property, taking full ownership from Bryan Student Housing LLC, on July 15 for $24 million.  

Bryan Magers, owner of Bryan Student Housing LLC, agreed to the below-appraisal selling price. 

“We wanted to name the facility something meaningful to Bryan, since he was instrumental in this project,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State Foundation.  

The residence hall is named after John A. Heitz, a Missouri State University graduate, donor and successful real estate broker and investor. 

Heitz’s philanthropy has benefitted many Ozarks institutions, including Missouri State, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation and the Developmental Center of the Ozarks. 

Public-private partnership 

Heitz House is the first public-private partnership residence hall between Missouri State and Bryan Student Housing LLC.  

“Through delays, shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic, we were always excited for this project to come to fruition,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “We can’t wait for our students to move-in and make it their home away from home.” 

The university first entered into a contract with Bryan Student Housing LLC to build this residence hall in May 2018.