Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris

Gayla Hagerty, executive director of the Downtown Branson Betterment Association, said the organization's economic development committee is seeking ways to help downtown property owners finance the remodeling of their buildings, including the upper floors for residential space.

"The upper story is not ideal for a business," Hagerty said. "Right now, we're looking for a 'guinea pig' or model (property) for upper-story renovation."

DBBA office assistant Phyllis VanderNaald said the economic development committee was "scouting to see which local banks have low-interest loans available for renovation." Hagerty said that information, along with other resources for low-interest loans and tax credits, would be put together in the form of a workshop in June for property owners.

In addition to building renovation, Hagerty said, the DBBA wants to finish installing brick sidewalk pavers and Victorian lampposts downtown, and build a boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo.