From the Ground Up: Branson Convention Center

General contractor: Turner Construction Co. (New York)

Architect: Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates Inc. (Atlanta)

Engineers: Smith & Boucher Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing (Olathe, Kan.); Walter P. Moore and Associates Inc., structural and civil (Houston)

Size: 220,000 square feet

Estimated cost: $47 million

Lender: None

Estimated completion date: Aug. 1

Project description: This city-owned convention center will be managed by Hilton Hotels Corp. and will be able to accommodate as many as 4,500 attendees. It will connect to a 12-story, 293-room Hilton hotel, also slated for completion by general contractor HCW Development Co. in August. Both structures are being erected across the street from Branson Landing, a $420 million lakeside retail and dining center that opened last year. Construction is being funded by the sale of municipal bonds, according to Bill Tirone, director of sales and marketing for Hilton and the convention center. Sandy Steward of HCW Development Co. is director of construction. The hotel and convention center are scheduled to open for business Aug. 17.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new projects each week. He may be reached by e-mail, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 831-3238.