Branson, Missouri Sets Record for New Construction
BRANSON, December 8, 2005. The value of new construction in the Live Entertainment Capital of Branson, Missouri through November 2005 totals $121.5 million, a new one-year record according to city officials. December building permit values have yet to be added. The previous single-year record for new construction was $119.5 million set in 1993 during Branson's first big building boom. Construction totals so far in 2005 have eclipsed 2004's total by $45.1 million.
Projects like Branson Landing, the Branson Convention Center and Hilton convention center hotel, and Branson Hills Plaza have contributed significantly to the record-breaking year.
"Visitors to Branson have discovered a great variety of live entertainment choices along with a broad range of attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and outdoor adventure options," said Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. "Plus, getting around Branson on more than $270 million in new and improved area roads makes trips here even easier and more fun."
During November, the following major construction projects were permitted: -- $2 million footing and foundation permit for the Branson Convention Center -- $993,000 footing and foundation permit for the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel -- $2.1 million building permit for a TJ Maxx store in Branson Hills Plaza -- $2.7 million building permits for 48 condominium units at Branson Gardens
"Branson's a hot ticket right now for new development," said Michael Rankin, the city's economic development director. "And it was the Branson Landing and convention center project that really started it."
The $420 million Branson Landing retail and entertainment development along Lake Taneycomo is scheduled to open next summer, and the convention center and convention center hotel will begin hosting meetings in the summer of 2007.
In addition to commercial developments, the city has seen residential development increase as well as new condominium units used as timeshares.
"We continue to be one of the country's most popular destinations for timeshare vacationers as these visitors make up 12 percent of the 7.3 million visitations to Branson," Rankin said.
For the first 11 months of this year, the Branson Landing project has accounted for $19,687,000 (16%) of the new construction and condominiums have totaled $25,043,569 (21%).
CONTACT: Michael Rankin, economic development director, +1-417-337-8527,or Jerry Adams, public information director, +1-417-337-8526, orJennifer McCullough, public relations director, Branson Chamber,+1-417-334-4084
/Web Site: Web site: http://www.bransonchamber.com/
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