$76.4 million in construction boom continues in Branson

“This has been the best year for new construction in the city since 1994, when the toal was $87 million,” said Mike Rankin, economic development director for the city of Branson, in a news release.

The city of Branson’s two biggest years for new construction were 1993 and 1994, when values were $119.5 million and $87 million, respectively. Construction values did not top $66 million from 1994 until 2004.

“All the publicity surrounding Branson Landing and the convention center has generated an exceptional amount of interest in our community by outside developers and business corporations,” Rankin said.

During 2004, Rankin said that he received more than 500 inquiries concerning residential and commercial potential in Branson, and more than 500 demographic CDs were distributed to businesses, companies and developers.

“After visiting Branson and seeing the numbers on our growth in population, visitors, tax revenues and construction (during) recent years, these businesspeople are turning inquiries into realities,” he said.

Rankin noted that during 2004, a variety of new construction projects helped to diversify the city’s economy.

“It’s a snowballing effect as everyone wants to be part of a vibrant, growing community with a great economic future,” he said.

The first Branson Landing building permit was issued in December for two buildings along North Sycamore Street. Construction value for those structures is $1.5 million, according to the release. Bass Pro and Belk Department Store, the major retail anchors for Branson Landing, are expected to begin construction later this year.

Also permitted in December were the new Shang-Hai Theater on Highway 165 and the Titanic Exhibition on West Highway 76 near Gretna Road.

Rankin expects that the building boom will continue in 2005. Projects for the year include Boyds Bears Country retail store and Branson Hills, which includes Target and Home Depot, upscale condominiums and hotels.