Bass Pro Breaks Ground

[Phil Lilley]

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...EWS02/601190356

Branson's Bass Pro breaks ground for show and for real

Nina Rao

News-Leader

BRANSON — The ground was ceremonially broken Wednesday afternoon for a new Bass Pro Shops store at Branson Landing.

But the ground was actually broken Monday when concrete footings were dropped deep into the earth — an indication that delay is not an option as Branson Landing hurtles toward a summer opening.

"This is a little bit of dirt for display purposes," said Bass Pro spokesman Martin Mac Donald as he pointed to a pile with shovels sticking from it where dignitaries and officials had tossed some pre-loosened earth around.

Then, Mac Donald pointed to mechanical dirt-moving equipment and the still-wet concrete moorings and said, "This is for real."

Branson Landing's 47,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to open in June. Among its features will be a marina where customers can test-drive boats, opportunities for guided fishing tours and an 11,200-square-foot floating restaurant called White River Fish Company.

Branson Landing as a whole is scheduled to open earlier than the Bass Pro Shops store, on May 26.

By then, Branson Landing developer Rick Huffman said he expects about 75 percent of the businesses to open.

Looking at the walls and passageways rising among the scaffolding and cranes, that idea seems possible.

According to Huffman, it is on track.

# In late May, most of the shops and restaurants will open with the remainder opening in a staggered pattern.

# By August, almost 200 condominiums, which are part of the development, will be completed.

# By September, a boutique Hilton will open in Branson Landing.

# In 2007, a larger Hilton that adjoins the Branson Landing property and a convention center owned by the city are slated to open.

"It's happening," Huffman said.

"The convention center is under construction. The hotel is on its way. It's a $420 million reality."

[Troutn]

I am curious as to how will this affect the fishing on Taney? Seems to me that there will be a whole lot more traffic on the lake when everything is said and done.

[tippet7]

not to mention the safety issue. they (BPS) are going to allow test drives of boats in an already crowded area, there will be docks to tie off so folks can go walk around the landing, eat, etc. the upside is, we may actually see a MO Water Patrol officer actually on the water more then once or twice a year.

[griffin]

Oh, it'll be great!!! I mean, Taneycomo is such a large lake with banks that are not easily affected by large wakes. Add that to the fact that it's rarely used and you have the perfect place for BPS and Branson to come together for a wonderful venture such as this!!!

Hell, I can remember back in the 70's when we fished Taneycomo, before the condos were built on the lake, before the giant houses sprung up below lookout.....man, it sucked!!!

It's much better now with all the houses, condos, and new businesses springing up!!!

griffin

[tippet7]

Do I detect a note of sarcasism?

[Wayne SW/MO]

Great, now we need the MDC to stock Bull Sharks and the conversion will be complete.

One would almost think that the Real Estate moguls in Branson aren't fishermen, but thats just a guess.

Welcome to Lake X.

[loo10]

Do I detect a note of sarcasism?

"Sarcasm.

Just one more of the fine services we offer here"

[MoCarp]

I think you will find that $420 million addition is like adding a Las Vegas Style Casino's worth of Traffic, water quality degradition, and pressure on infrastructure--the amount of people traffic to justify that kind of investment is staggering

you can bet that pressure--fishing and boating will increase exponentally--but hey they can fish shoulder to shoulder at Roaring River just think how many they can get along the banks of Taney!--

fishing will prolly still be fine--but in some areas at sometimes atmosphere will be like fishing in a swiming pool full of jets skis with 50 people passing gas and spitting loogees at the same time--I can't imagin how much more trash alone it will generate---

you guys in Branson are at a point when you need to ask yourself when enough is enough. Some states on some waters limits the numbers of boats that can be on the water at any givin time--my bet is Taney will soon be just like one of those.

Jusy My Honest Opinion

Mo

[Greg]

I'm a fan of Bass Pro but I'm not really looking forward to their opening this store at all. I didn't feel that we needed more development on Taneycomo and I'm afraid it may hurt the fishing. But it was my understanding that if Bass Pro did not put a store there - that Cabela's was going to.

Greg

[tippet7]

at least Cabelas has a better selection of fly fishing gear!