Aldermen to hear presentation on Pinnacle Falls project
New destination attraction to be built on city’s west side
The Branson Board of Aldermen will hold a special public meeting on Thursday, September 28, 10 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to hear a presentation by developers of the recently announced Pinnacle Falls Entertainment District and Resort.
The development would be located on 308-acres along Missouri Highway 376, just west of the current Steak ‘N Shake restaurant. According to the developer, Cushman Properties, Pinnacle Falls features an aquarium, indoor water park hotel, shopping, dining, and themed attractions – all set against the background of a European village.
Some of the other features of Pinnacle Falls include a rushing river through the center of the district, interactive fountains, an echo wishing well and a giant glockenspiel tower. Special lighting, sound and animation would create additional entertainment at night.
According to David Cushman of Cushman Properties, a feasibility study showed that once Pinnacle Falls opens in 2009, it will bring more than $150 million in sales and attract more then 4 million people, of which 400,000 will be new visitors to Branson.
Cushman said the first phase of the project would cost around $250 million and include the “award winning†aquarium. Cushman has advised that he will be seeking tax increment financing (TIF) from the city of Branson for a portion of the development. A TIF allows a portion of the sales taxes collected from within the completed development to be used to pay off bonds that finance certain aspects of the project like roads, sewers, and water lines.
Aldermen want to learn more details about the project and have the opportunity to question developers about it.
