Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Home sales reflect national market

Commercial One Brokers LLC issued its 2008 Mid-Year Real Estate Report indicating residential closings of single-family homes and condominiums in the Branson area are down 25 percent through June compared to the same period last year. The statistics reflect the national housing issues, not a problem with overbuilding, foreclosures or price inflation, said broker/partner Steve Critchfield. The softest sector of the market is generally in the $350,000 and higher range.

The retail sector is steady with lower-rent locations showing more activity than newer, higher-priced spaces. Adding to retail revenue has been the development of Branson Hills Plaza at the junction of U.S. Highway 65 and Bee Creek Road. Since January, 12 retailers have opened or will soon: Michael’s; Radio Shack; Pure Salon and Spa; Bank Midwest; PetCo; Dress Barn; Maurice’s; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Sprint; Shoe Carnival; AT&T; and Books-A-Million, the nation’s third largest bookseller. A Wendy’s recently opened, and Best Buy is under construction.

A 203,710-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter opened there in June. Previously opened in Branson Hills were Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx and Chili’s.

Shrine is rising

People are wondering what’s happening on the front lawn of The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center – once known as the Wayne Newton Theater. It is the Shrine of the Holy Spirit, and theater owner Gene Bicknell said it was created from a vision God gave him one night.

The shrine features a central tower rising 100 feet, topped with a globe and a cross. Bicknell said the circular outer walls represent God’s arms wrapping around the 50-seat, transparent-roof chapel designed with weddings in mind.

The $5.2 million project by contractor Larry Snyder & Co. is made of blue-gray marble from upstate New York and includes fountains and a gazebo.

The shrine will be visible for miles, perched atop one of the highest points overlooking Branson. It is expected to be dedicated in spring.

Grapes of Branson

Foundations and retaining walls are poured and construction progresses at the Branson Ridge Winery, Bistro & Marketplace just southwest of the junction of U.S. Highway 65 and the Ozark Mountain High Road, said Jacob Fleig, who owns the business with his wife, Carrie, and dad, Jim.

The family has owned the 14 ridge-top acres since 1993. This spring, they planted Norton grapes, and the vineyard is growing well, he said.

Set to open next year, visitors will be able to tour the vineyards and the winemaking facility, and there will be space for special events.

Many people inquired about their progress when they recently exhibited at the Branson Area Business Expo 2008.

The family is new to the vineyard business. Fleig said he’s been producing special events in Southern California’s Temecula wine region, and his dad is a developer.

Branson scoops ice cream site

What is the most popular ice cream flavor in Branson? Butter pecan, said Brandon Karn, one of four owners of the Ben and Jerry’s Scoop Shop at Branson Landing Marina and Shoppes. Karn and partners, all from Fayetteville, Ark., were planning a Ben and Jerry’s in their hometown when the Branson Landing site became available, he said.

Marina owner Justin Gage had contacted Ben and Jerry’s about getting a franchise on the dock.

Karn said they benefit from traffic to the two Branson Landing Cruises vessels and Shorty Small’s at the Marina. The Web site – www.benjerry.com/bransonlanding – features a virtual cake builder, letting users choose the flavors, frosting, filling and the message on top, before picking up their cakes at the shop.

College keeps its students

College of the Ozarks recently marked 19 years in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Guide.

The school is ranked 10th in the 2009 edition for Baccalaureate Colleges in the Midwest, said college spokeswoman Elizabeth Andrews.

Among the criteria are assessments by administrators at peer institutions, in which C of O scored 3.3 out of 5. Its average freshman retention rate was 83 percent, boosting the score.

Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com.[[In-content Ad]]