A court case challenging John Q. Hammons' Chateau on the Lake of the Ozarks project has been moved to federal court, the Lake Sun Leader has reported. Four Seasons Marina Rentals Inc. originally filed the lawsuit in Camden County against Springfield-based Hammons Hotels, after the city of Osage Beach in late 2007 approved Hammons' request for a $3.7 million tax increment financing district for the project. The suit questions the property's blight designation, which is required by state law in order to use a TIF for redevelopment. Hammons Hotels' initial redevelopment plan argued the land is blighted and could be improved by the hotel, which officials at the time said could generate about $25 million in annual revenues. That could result in an estimated $500,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the city. The case has been moved to U.S. District Court because attorneys for Four Seasons cited federal law, according to the report. Four Seasons filed a motion to return the case to state court, but it was denied. Federal Judge Nanette Kay Laughrey has set the case for trial on June 1 in Jefferson City. The nearly $100 million project on the lake's east side calls for a 15-story, 320-room hotel with a spa and meeting space. Plans are to have the resort under construction this summer and completed by spring 2011, the paper reports.
Ad Club Turns 30
The Springfield Ad Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Jan. 14 luncheon at Clarion Hotel on South Glenstone Avenue. The local club was created during a meeting of advertising agency and media professionals at the old 89er Restaurant, according to a flyer announcing the anniversary. A few founding members will share stories of the early days and visions of the industry's future during the 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. event. The cost is $13 for members and first-time guests. For more info, call (417) 820-2805 or go to www.springfieldadclub.com.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day
A program of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement and Springfield Area Human Resources Association is seeking businesses to host high school students who want to learn about specific careers. The job shadow program, which kicks off with Groundhog Job Shadow Day on Feb. 2, expects to give students a firsthand look at a normal day of business and ideas on applying their schooling to the workplace. Hosts should prepare to spend a half-day with students. For more information, call (417) 862-5567 or e-mail kwesterman@springfieldchamber.com.
Slice of Nice
First Community Bank of the Ozarks donated two acres of land to the White River Valley Historical Society to assist in the society's efforts to establish a heritage center. Bank officials said they hope the land gift, which has an appraised value of $268,000, inspires others to contribute to the proposed permanent historical society building. Drury University President Todd Parnell said the Hammons School of Architecture would help develop architectural concepts.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
