Branson’s 2005 construction breaks record

New construction totaled $173.5 million, breaking the previous single-year record of $119.5 million set in 1993. December also set a single-month record, with $52 million worth of building permits issued, compared to the old record of $10 million in December 1993.

“Many speak of a boom in the early 1990s; however, that period in time behaved more like a spike than a boom,” said Michael Rankin, Branson’s economic development director, in a news release. “I believe with the projects we are currently working on, this is a real building boom, and it will continue for several years.”

The development of Branson Landing has created a domino effect, Rankin said, and has brought other investors, developers and businesses to the city’s waterfront.

Major building permits issued last month include: two retail buildings at Branson Landing, totaling $10.4 million; two Branson Landing condominium buildings, totaling $32.4 million; an Ortho Neuro Medical Center for Skaggs Community Health Center, valued at $5 million; and a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store on Highway 248, valued at $500,000.

Residential development also climbed in 2005 and set a single-year record with 225 housing units permitted by the city. Approved units include 53 single-family homes and 33 duplexes, along with 106 condominiums at Branson Landing

Beginning in the spring, construction will start on the largest planned residential community ever built in Branson: Branson Hills. The subdivision will add 1,995 homes, condominiums and apartments, as well as an 18-hole golf course and neighborhood shopping center.