Branson exceeds $100 million in construction

Through September, according to a news release from city offices, Branson’s new construction for 2005 totals $103.3 million. With three months remaining in the year, Branson is on track to exceed the $119.5 million single-year record set in 1993.

“We are definitely in a building boom,” said Branson Economic Development Director Michael Rankin in the release.

Rankin said he doesn’t expect construction to slow down soon.

“I continue to receive inquiries from developers and businessmen from throughout the country who want to be a part of Branson’s tremendous growth momentum,” he said.

Rankin attributes the construction boom to the 2001 announcement of Branson Landing, a $420 million entertainment and shopping district set to open in the spring. Subsequent construction in the Branson Landing area includes a 220,000-square-foot convention center and convention center hotel adjacent to Branson Landing, both to be managed by Hilton Hotels. The hotel and convention center are scheduled to open in summer 2007.

Commercial building permits issued by the city of Branson in September include the Home Depot Store in Branson Hills Plaza, 10 buildings in Branson Landing, a new Mountain Man Fruit and Nut Store on Gretna Road, and Skaggs Community Health Center’s new ortho-neuro center at 121 Cahill Road. Permits also were issued for 12 new condominium units at Foxpointe and 11 condo units at Thousand Hills.

Branson’s Planning and Development Department also has issued 45 single-family building permits and 33 duplex permits so far in 2005.

“The diversity of these permits, in addition to retail, indicate a growth in other segments of our economy, which is healthy for the whole community,” Rankin said. [[In-content Ad]]