Branson on course to set construction record

Through June, the city’s value of new construction totaled $131 million, more than three-fourths the $173.6 million in construction in 2005.

The city’s planning and development department issued 1,015 building permits during the first half of the year, compared to 986 total for all of 2005.

Construction values in the last decade dipped as low as $22.8 million in 1997, reached $76.4 million in 2004 and had set a new record in 2005.

City officials attribute the construction expansion to the $420 million development of Branson Landing, where 72 of the expected 104 retailers and restaurants had opened as of June 26. The 1.5 million-square-foot, six-district outdoor shopping and lodging venue opened to the public May 26.

Major projects permitted in Branson this year have included Sight & Sound Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, two office buildings and two retail centers.