Branson West resort breaks ground

The ceremony began at 2 p.m., and Gov. Matt Blunt joined developers Jim and Virginia Shirato in presenting plans for the project. Blunt also directed the first excavation of the 1,000-acre property along Table Rock Lake by using a bullhorn to tell earth-mover operators to start their engines.

The Shiratos delivered remarks and unveiled tactics for recruiting and maintaining about 400 employees for the resort. Plans to do so include providing off-site employee housing and adult and child day care.

When finished, the resort will feature an eight-story hotel and conference center, 2,400 multi-unit condos, a private marina, an 18-hole golf course and pro shop, a water park, retail shopping, a 2,000-square-foot Ozark Indian History Center, and gated communities for seniors and residential lots. Total year-round housing is predicted to accommodate up to 7,800 residents.

The site is located on Highway 13, south of the Highway 76 and 413 junction in Stone County, adjacent to Silver Dollar City. Developers expect to preserve at least one-third of the area's natural terrain.

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