Heer's

Heer's Department Store

Company type	Private
Industry	Retail
Founded	1869
Founder	Charles H. Heer
Defunct	1995
Headquarters	Springfield, Missouri , United States
Products	Department store goods

Heer's Department Store, originally situated at 138 Park Central West (previously known as College Street) in Springfield, Missouri, stood as one of the most significant and largest department stores in southwest Missouri for eight decades. In 2002, the Heer's Department Store building was recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

1869-1995

Established in 1869 by German immigrant Charles H. Heer (1820-1898), the business was officially incorporated in 1882 under the name Charles H. Heer Dry Goods Company. Management transitioned to his youngest son, Francis Xavier Heer (1862-1949), in 1886. Following Charles Heer's death, Francis X. Heer assumed the presidency of the company and remained at its helm until his own passing.

After a devastating fire in 1913 destroyed the original store, a new structure was erected at the same 138 Park Central Square site. This replacement was a seven-story commercial building featuring terracotta cladding over a steel framework, which opened its doors in September 1915 to an impressive crowd of approximately 21,000 visitors on the first day.

In 1940, ownership transferred to Allied Stores of New York, prompting significant upgrades including the installation of air conditioning and escalators. Further modernization occurred in 1969 to align the store’s appearance with those found in major metropolitan centers. A new branch was launched at Battlefield Mall in 1976. Under President and CEO Janet Boswell’s leadership, Heer's acquired Newman's department store located at Northpark Mall in Joplin, Missouri in 1988. However, financial difficulties culminated in bankruptcy during the 1990s; the Joplin store closed in 1994, and by 1995, Heer's ceased all operations.

Redevelopment and Plans for the Future

Often regarded as the largest retail establishment in southwest Missouri, Heer's Department Store was a dominant presence on Springfield’s Public Square. Restoration efforts have removed exterior sheathing added during the 1960s, restoring much of the building’s original facade from its historically significant era. Key architectural features such as the early terracotta cladding, original cornice, and most windows remain intact. Currently, an extensive renovation is underway to convert this former retail landmark into loft-style apartments.

Following its closure, ownership changed multiple times, with each new proprietor announcing intentions to revitalize this prominent city landmark. In 2001, owner Warren Davis initiated exterior restoration plans aimed at incorporating restaurants, retail shops, and office spaces. By 2006, after developer Vaughn Prost from Jefferson City withdrew from the project, control reverted to the city.

In November 2007, St. Louis-based developer Kevin McGowan—president and CEO of Blue Urban LLC—acquired the property from Springfield for $3 million (~$Template:Format price adjusted for inflation). His vision included upscale condominiums above dining establishments; however, economic downturns delayed financing and forced a reconsideration of plans. Although McGowan announced intentions to apply for U.S. Housing and Urban Development loans in 2009, no formal application followed. By 2011, the city boarded up the building and imposed a lien on it due to unpaid debts totaling nearly $100,000.

In 2012, E and J HIDC purchased the mortgage from Heartland Bank. The following year, Heer's Luxury Living, LLC—a partnership led by Jim Nichols (CEO of Lee’s Summit-based Dalmark Group) and Ernie Straub of Straub Construction—approached city officials seeking incentives while developing a new redevelopment strategy.

A groundbreaking event took place in July 2014. Jim Nichols expressed confidence stating, "I'm proud to say we've got our financing, we've got our plan and everything is being implemented." The redevelopment project features eighty luxury apartments equipped with amenities such as a fitness center, theater room, rooftop terrace, clubhouse, along with commercial spaces. Construction has since reached completion.