Branson gives green light to $400M development project

A multimillion-dollar development project in Branson seeking to bring a mix of commercial, entertainment, residential and retail components to over 130 acres in town is moving forward following the Branson Board of Aldermen’s approval of a tax increment financing plan.

At its meeting yesterday, the board voted unanimously to green-light the TIF plan and developer’s agreement with Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Philcrest Properties Inc. The multiphase project spans roughly 136 acres across 17 parcels of land in the Branson Meadows area around Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive. It totals roughly $400 million, including $300 million for the first and second phases expected to be completed over the next seven years, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

Phase I is expected to include approximately 150 multifamily residential units, a sports entertainment facility, a tourist attraction dubbed Bible Encounter and a roughly 200-room hotel. The second phase comprises an additional 110 apartments, approximately 31 tourist cabins, two restaurants, a convenience store, a sporting goods store and retail development. 

A third phase is designed for the development and construction of an indoor sports facility. The city entered an agreement in May with Clearwater, Florida-based business management consulting firm Sports Facilities Co. as part of next steps toward the potential investment in the facility, according to past SBJ reporting.

Alexander Girard, chief of staff for the city of Branson, said approval of the development project further indicates Branson “is open for business.” City officials say it serves as the most significant economic development package for the municipality since Branson Landing.

“I don’t think there’s been a better time to develop in Branson, and this development is truly reflective of that opportunity of what our city has to offer and our continued positive vision for future success and growth,” Girard said of the Branson Meadows project. “We’re truly firing on all cylinders here to attract investment, grow our economy and ensure Branson remains a premier tourism destination for millions of visitors.”

Officials previously said construction for Phase I would start in 2027 and complete in 2030, while the second phase would begin in 2029 and wrap by 2032. However, Grant Wilkins, director of real estate with Philcrest Properties, said via email Sept. 8 he’s hopeful to begin Phase I work much sooner than 2027.

He said the company, which is developing the Branson project under Branson Meadows TIF Co. LLC, intends to begin site work by either fourth quarter of this year or first quarter of 2026. Completion of the first phase would wrap within three years, he said, adding the timeline for second-phase work will be demand and market dependent.

“Those dates for Phase II look to be in line with current projections,” he said, adding the development project currently has no official name.

Wilkins said Philcrest Properties has a letter of intent with Mammoth Fieldhouse to build the roughly $38 million sports entertainment facility and is working with Springfield-based O’Reilly Hospitality Management LLC on development of the approximately $22 million hotel. Mammoth Fieldhouse blends sports activities such as golf putting, pickleball and batting cages with a restaurant and bar, according to its website.

An expanded version of this article is planned in Springfield Business Journal’s Sept. 15 print edition.