Branson sets another construction record

New construction last month topped $44.6 million, shattering the $10.3 million record for January construction set in 1994. More than $41.8 million of new permits came from the Branson Landing and convention center developments along the city’s waterfront.

The city’s 2005 construction also set an annual record of $173.5 million, eclipsing 1993’s $119.5 million.

Among the major building projects in January were:

• $32 million for the Branson Convention Center,

• $1.1 million for Sullivan’s Steakhouse,

• $6.5 million for Bass Pro Shops, and

• $1 million infill permit for Famous Dave’s BBQ.

Branson Landing is a $420 million project that will feature a Bass Pro store with a marina and a White River Fish Co. floating restaurant, 100 shops and restaurants, a town square, a boardwalk, two hotels and the convention center.

Other projects given the go-ahead in January unassociated with Branson Landing were Andy’s Frozen Custard on Highway 76 and five additional duplex cabins at Grand Mountain on Rock Candy Lane for time-share rentals.

Michael Rankin, the city’s economic development director, said he predicts Branson’s growth period will be more steady than the one-time spike during the construction boom in the early 1990s.

“When the Board of Aldermen voted to move forward with Branson Landing, a domino effect occurred,” Rankin said in a news release. “Investors, developers and businesses saw the economic importance of the landing, and now they want to be a part of the increased national attention and visitors that the waterfront project generates.”

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Feb. 15 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.