DNR decontaminates Branson Convention Center site

After a five-month soil cleanup project, Missouri Department of Natural Resources on Feb. 24 deemed the convention center’s site environmentally ready for development.

The 15-acre plot previously was the home of Branson Oil Co., L&J Plumbing Supply and the headquarters of the historic Branson Scenic Railway. More than 1,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed.

In September, the city of Branson enrolled the site in the department’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program to prepare the land for development.

Brownfields are previously developed properties that often are minimally contaminated. The cleanup program helps resolve any problems so redevelopment and reuse can proceed.

The $56 million convention center and hotel will be 12 stories and will have 293 rooms. Construction of the 220,000-square-foot building is scheduled for completion in spring 2007.

The center and hotel will be part of the $420 million Branson Landing development, also enrolled in the DNR’s cleanup program. That project received a certificate of completion in 2003.