Branson Landing

[ColdWaterFshr]

Whats wrong with the location? If they built it on the upper end of Taney, I think that would detract from the fishing. Who wants to be within sight of a mall when they're wading through the mist throwing size 30 midges? heh, heh.

Where would've been a better place?

[TexomaOkie]

If anyone cares about the thoughts of an outsider, here they are!

I wouldn't say that area of the lake was totally unspoiled previous to the new construction. However, in my opinion, they definitely didn't take full advantage of the waterfront when planning the development. Seems to me no common sense was used, in regards to the lakefront, when planning the site. It's as if The Landing was designed to fit it's location in spite of the lake, as opposed to becoming an extension of it. If the lake had been incorporated into the plan correctly, there could have been a trade off for what was lost by what could have been gained. As it is, a wasted opportunity has created a lose, lose situation for the waterfront. When walking the streets of The Landing, the lake might as well be 100 miles away. When cruising by in a boat, it's very unattractive to look at the service entrances on the back of all the shops. The Landing could have been built over the next hill and still had the same feel when walking down the street.

[TexomaOkie]

Because of the designers lack of importance placed on incorporating the lake into the design, it could have been built just as effectively in a number of other places. How about a mountain ridge with a view? There's plenty of those around!

[crappiefisherman]

bill it needs to be darn fancy for that kinda money.I can tell its not for they middle age family of five to spend at your place.

not to be a wise butt and im sorry but guys the question has been raised about utilizing the lake front, shoe stores and dept stores dont give a turkey about that lake,BASS PRO wants the lacation, also being anchor store they say also some resturants take advantage of lake,I honestly dont think BP thought it would fly cause they built last.Its here to stay, it aint goin away, I certainly hope it works out or it will look awfull stupid with all those buildings in low income housing

[swinslow]

I certainly hope it works out or it will look awfull stupid with all those buildings in low income housing

Don't worry. It can always become yet another piece of property owned by Herschend Family Entertainment. They could turn it into something that would go over.

[Bobby M.]

I have to agree they did a pretty pitiful job of utilizing the lake front, that doesn't seem to deter my wife from running by there a coulple times a week. In my opinion, the best water view is the waterfall inside of the Northwoods candy emporium, of course I did help build it so I am a tad bit biased.

[SilverMallard]

KSFX channel 7 news had a piece on BL last night. They've already seen over 1,000,000 visitors (less than 60 days). The entire Branson area averages 7 million visitors per year. And 85% of the businesses at BL report higher than expected revenues. So I gues somebody likes it quite a bit and is spending money there.

I've been down several times, but not for a couple of weeks. I'm going this evening. When I've been there in the past, there was no evidence of settling damage, cracking concrete, etc. There was ONE little spot in the cobblestone that had settled and created about a 12" diameter depression in the brick walkway on the Promenade. It was pointed out to me by one of the builders on the project we were there with.

Famous Dave's is excellent BBQ and they have the best wings we've ever had. Garfield's is decent too...but pretty typical of the Applebee's - Ruby Tuesday - TGI Friday's type of venue.

Anyone equating Bass Pro to Wal-Mart has some serious perception problems, let alone a deep lack of knowledge of the sporting goods industry...OR a biased agenda. I've never seen WJ packs, $3000 shotguns, or a $300 fly reel in a Wal-Mart. Bass Pro runs the full range of sporting goods fare. And the level of in-store expertise is VERY high for a big box retailer. The guy running the fly shop/fishing dept in the Branson store is truly a leading national expert in fly-fishing retail. He has over 30 years in the industry and has run the fly-fishing operations for a couple of very prestigious New England outfitters including Eddie Bauer. And he's a pretty nice guy! And that's just one example.

There is an array of retailers in BL. Some are truly upscale and pretty rare. Some are more common. Coldwater Creek, the Black and White store, Marble Slab Creamery, Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory, and the other designer chocolatier are just a few examples of stores you will find in some of America's most exclusive retail centers.

Seems to me someone is looking through some pretty pessimistic and biased goggles when he visits BL. We've been to similar venues all over the US, Europe, and Asia. And we like BL and consider it a source of pride for Branson.

And who else sold out a large 2-3 bedroom condo development for $300-800k a pop in under 100 days in this area? There are obviously quite a few people with money who believe in BL.

[Wayne SW/MO]

But, that doesn't mean its been a good thing for the established Branson businesses, the ones that helped build the market the Landing hopes to tap. How does an upscale shopping center equate to "Family"?

Sorry SM, I still haven't seen any evidence that it was something that would increase the draw.

[SilverMallard]

Oh, I have said from the very beginning that the true test of whether or not BL is a good investment for the community will be the degree to which the convention center and the Hilton are successful. Hilton resorts have their own draw of brand-loyal travelers. And let us not forget (some of you probably haven't been here long enough to KNOW) that BL was conceived and pursued due to demand for a convention center. We won't know whether or not that is successful or not for about 10 years. Thus, ALL of the naysaying is quite premature. But the retail/entertainment portion has been an empirical success so far...for what it is. And that bodes well for the success of the next two phases of development. And foot traffic and receipts in the downtown historic district and the outlet malls are UP over the same period last year from all reports and rumors I've seen/heard.

[WebFreeman]

I'd be curious how many of these million visitors were new. Summer is the peak time in Branson. How many visitors did Tanger or Factory Outlet got in those 2 months.

A lot of the criticism is valid. They didn't utilize the lake view. We don't know the long term effect on locally owned and mom and pop businesses.

Other benefits will be good: once the condos are filled w/ residents w/ disposable income, that will be good. Once conventions arrive, that will have a positive economic impact (though we don't know the environmental impact of having an extra 10,000 widget salesman will have.)

The whole region (Springfield included) needs to move beyond the service industry and light manufacturing as an economic development base. At some point we'll run out of space to build another mall (look how Branson Meadows does. It's a virtual ghost town every time I've been). We're going to run out of lake front property. The scenic overlook on the way to the dam is not very scenic any more.