From the Ground Up: Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau

Owner/developer: Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
General contractor: R.E. Smith Construction Co.
Architect: BRP Architects
Engineers: Cook, Flatt & Strobel, Engineers Inc., civil; Bergmann Engineering Co. LLC, structural; and RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 18,000 square feet
Estimated cost: $4.3 million
Lender: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Estimated completion: April 2019
Project description: Branson chamber officials say they are developing a new face of the business community. The welcome center and office underway is designed to hold over 50 employees, along with four conference rooms, a 125-person multipurpose room and a board room, said Jeff Seifried, president and CEO of the 900-member chamber. The entrance design features large windows accented by weathered steel that aesthetically ages over time, he said. The chamber plans a spring move from 269 State Highway 248, which Seifried said is unable to accommodate many business meetings.