Branson sets construction record in 2006

The city recorded $215.9 million in new construction last year, breaking the $173.6 million record set in 2005.

City officials attribute the explosion in new development to the Branson Landing project, first announced in 2001. Since then, yearly new construction has risen by $175 million.

“Branson continues to be a hot ticket right now for new development,” said Michael Rankin, the city’s economic development director, in a news release. “It was the Branson Landing and convention center project that really started it.”

Branson Landing cost roughly $435 million to create in downtown Branson and opened in May. The outdoor retail district has nearly 100 shops and restaurants and will have a convention center, set to open in August, and a Hilton hotel, slated for completion this fall.

Major Branson building projects permitted in December included:

• The $22.1 million second phase of the Sight and Sound Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway;

• The $685,000 Fox Pointe housing units on Vixen Circle;

• A $3 million cancer center at Skaggs Community Health Center; and

• A $3 million Kohl’s Department Store on Branson Hills Parkway.