SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

General Category => Branson Talk => Topic started by: shavethewhales on May 11, 2015, 01:02:06 PM

Title: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on May 11, 2015, 01:02:06 PM
As we've discussed in scattered threads, a revitalization of the famous 76 strip has been proposed and is now in the initial stages of being implemented.

It looks like the first stage has finally been approved: http://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_72ea2b76-f5b6-11e4-b5dd-f3776095f530.html?mode=story

The beautification features will be nice, but it remains to be seen if they will go all the way and be able to implement a public transportation solution (trams) and actually make the strip walkable.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: History Buff on May 11, 2015, 03:44:11 PM
I'm eager to see some of this.  It sounds as if several businesses are on board, and that indicates it is a community effort.

As I've stated about SDC's evolving multi-theme, it's interesting that Branson's stated values are music, family fun, Ozark heritage, patriotism, veterans, and natural beauty.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: runner1960 on May 11, 2015, 10:06:23 PM
I

As I've stated about SDC's evolving multi-theme, it's interesting that Branson's stated values are music, family fun, Ozark heritage, patriotism, veterans, and natural beauty.

That just is not going to draw the millennial crowd. Branson target demographic is dying off. They are going to need to change tactics to survive against more aggressive competition.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Swoosh on May 11, 2015, 10:13:17 PM
The theming of areas of the strip is not the answer to Branson's problems.  It is simply the answer to a question that has not been posed. 

If you want to know the answer, look at Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: chittlins on May 12, 2015, 11:03:46 AM
The theming of areas of the strip is not the answer to Branson's problems.  It is simply the answer to a question that has not been posed. 

If you want to know the answer, look at Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

(http://blog.sparefoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dave-hester-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: History Buff on May 12, 2015, 05:07:30 PM
I can't disagree with you, but until a city does something to show that it is willing to invest, private businesses will not follow suit.  The only things they have really done in the last 40 years are establish alternate routes and install a center turn lane.  They should have been steadily investing in improvements, but they waited until it was a "crisis" to take action.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Swoosh on May 12, 2015, 09:00:45 PM
I hate being Debbie Downer, but I honestly don't see how Branson can be "saved".  They hitched their carriage to the older crowd for so long that they alienated the younger crowd and that crowd has since gone on to bigger and better things.

I wonder how much longer SDC will act like a "good neighbor" -- I have a feeling that sometime very soon SDC will start just looking out for itself and pull all operations out to Indian Point.  Building a resort, a new waterpark and a new landing for SBB.  They would (for lack of a better way of putting it) become a mini-WDW.  There would be no need to leave their properties because everything that you'd need would be there.  Don't smirk too hard at the thought of this happening, I guarantee that this has already crossed the PTBs minds.  It's no big secret that SDC is what is keeping this area afloat. 
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: History Buff on May 12, 2015, 09:55:32 PM
You may be right, Swoosh, but I think it's a risk HFE isn't ready to take.  Most of us would still stay at The Classic with its reduced rates IF we don't just make it a day trip.  Any inclusive resort would have to be something special, which adds up to big dollars.  Without a complementary area to support it, I just don't see them making this move, though I would love to see it happen.  Indian Point, Notch, and the area would become the new Branson.

At the same time, the free market could prevail if given a friendlier economy.  I don't know what it will all look like, but hopefully things will correct themselves.  Like I say, the local investment by the city should show outside investors they are willing to work for it.  Something they should do also is raze defunct buildings and not let them sit there like a billboard for defeat.  Hopefully things will not go the way of Eureka Springs, though there are definitely similarities.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: tinmann620 on May 13, 2015, 02:10:47 AM
Most people haven't noticed that the city limits of Branson West is now at SDC's property line, EAST of Notch. Branson's is several miles away, and in a different county. I see a shift in the "benefits" in the near future, as BW has begun cleaning up the town, improving roads, adding new street lights, etc. Food for thought.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: chittlins on May 13, 2015, 08:46:07 AM
You may be right, Swoosh, but I think it's a risk HFE isn't ready to take.  Most of us would still stay at The Classic with its reduced rates IF we don't just make it a day trip.  Any inclusive resort would have to be something special, which adds up to big dollars.  Without a complementary area to support it, I just don't see them making this move, though I would love to see it happen.  Indian Point, Notch, and the area would become the new Branson.

At the same time, the free market could prevail if given a friendlier economy.  I don't know what it will all look like, but hopefully things will correct themselves.  Like I say, the local investment by the city should show outside investors they are willing to work for it.  Something they should do also is raze defunct buildings and not let them sit there like a billboard for defeat.  Hopefully things will not go the way of Eureka Springs, though there are definitely similarities.

Eureka, where to start....

Place still has a few original shops but's its mostly cheap import crap now. The Passion Play seems to have new life with new ownership. It's heavy on bikers these days and the city is little San Fran east of the Rockies as being a hub of super progressivism. A town that should have passed a law for the protection of nonprogressives instead passed a law for the progressives. I joked with a friend that's gay and lives there that they had run the town for over a decade, he conceded it's just the "everybody else is doing it" mentality run amuck. Interestingly enough, they have relocated the shop to Fayetteville.

Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Junior, too! on May 13, 2015, 03:03:50 PM
Pig Trail Harley Davidson has been promoting bike runs from Rogers to Eureka, and a year or two back purchased the Fun Spot at Eureka, and they have a bar and shop there, too. I recently was told Pig Trail purchased the little strip mall adjacent to Pine Mt. Theater, and when I passed thru last weekend they has a sign on a shop there. I heard they bought the theater, but am not sure. Mike Bishop had the show for years and is the chamber of commerce president, so I may be wrong on the theater changing hands. No doubt, the biker thing is doing well for Eureka.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: mhguy77 on May 13, 2015, 08:45:54 PM
Quote
Most people haven't noticed that the city limits of Branson West is now at SDC's property line, EAST of Notch. Branson's is several miles away, and in a different county. I see a shift in the "benefits" in the near future, as BW has begun cleaning up the town, improving roads, adding new street lights, etc. Food for thought.

I have stayed in Branson West in the distant past but have not been through there in a while. I may have to drive that way and check it out.
  Its actually a fairly fast run to Springfield that way.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: sanddunerider on May 14, 2015, 05:54:21 AM
I haven't been west of SDC for years...   

Sounds like a sunday afternoon cruise. ::).
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 14, 2015, 09:26:34 PM
Yes. I dont doubt that SDC will try to become a resort like Grand Country, but with rides, more shows, more theaters, etc. Branson already rovolves around SDC at the moment. When SDC closes, almost everything else shuts down in Branson. If SDC goes bankrupt, Branson will too. 76 should have had a widening a long time ago, but they have been advertising for people to use the Red, Yellow, and Blue Routes. At first I thought that would work, but I guess people would rather use 76. I wish they wouldve made 76 into 4 lanes a long time ago. The sidewalks are nice now and I see a few people using them, especially me when I can walk faster than the traffic. Im not sure if the trolley will work to lessen the traffic, but it will definately save my legs the pain of walking too far, especially if they can take us to SDC. Its hard for people to get to SDC if they dont have a car or dont want to drive. If they dont have room to make 76 into 4 lanes, I dont see how they will have room to put trees on the side of the road and widen the sidewalk. I also dont see how making the sidewalk look better, will make more people walk there. Im pretty sure they also dont have room for parking spaces along the sidewalk either. All the restaraunts and shops are just too close to the road.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Joy on May 17, 2015, 08:07:04 PM
I am a Millennial, and I think the Spirit of 76 project is AMAZING. My generation is getting to the age where we're settling down, building families, and are very big on conservation. I read the entire 100+ page proposal for Spirit of 76, and the balance of retail, shows, and nature is wonderful. They propose several parks along the route as well as conservation areas and lookouts.

I myself am single and unlikely to have a family in future (not because of my sexual orientation, but because I am not interested in having kids of my own), but I have three young nieces, and I very much look at things from the perspective of a mother (seriously, I'm like a second mother to them; I think it sometimes annoys my sister, LOL), and I think they would get a kick out of what Branson could look like once Spirit of 76 has finished.

I like that The Little Mermaid is coming to Branson; I really do think that Broadway shows are a way to bring in the younger generations. I am of "Generation Y", but a good number of my closest friends are from "Generation Z," and we are all obsessed with musical theater and musical movies. If they brought in, say, Les Miserables with a dedicated theater, the way that Phantom has one in Las Vegas, my friends would be ALL over that. Les Mis is HUGE among my friends, as is Phantom and Into the Woods. But honestly, any Broadway would bring them in.

One of the things I like about Spirit of 76 is the transportation layout. The dedicated shuttle stops are great, and something I would use often, since I do not drive.

As for Eureka Springs, my circle of friends is also REALLY into that town. The shopping, the ghost hotel tours (we're all really into folklore), and the overall appeal to progressives and "non-traditional" people keeps us going back. I am not Christian nor heterosexual, so I am pleased that Eureka Springs overwhelmingly voted (71% for) to keep their non-discrimination ordinance; most of my friends and I would have to have stopped visiting ES any more if it had been voted down, because we all would have ended up discriminated against.

I am being open and honest about this because I feel it is a different perspective from most people here and I think it's an important perspective because I want to show that Branson and areas like it very much still appeal to progressive Millennials; it just needs to catch up a bit. It won't take much. Spirit of 76 is a great project to help clean up the image of Branson; right now, I see a lot of people viewing it as a rundown, Vegas-wannabe full of hillbillies and rednecks. I don't see it that way, but then I grew up going there, so I have a bit of a bias.

I think Spirit of 76 is amazing and I fully support this project.

If you haven't yet read the proposal, I highly recommend it. It's beautiful!

http://issuu.com/bnim/docs/branson_final_140731_print_reduced?e=1526089/9703672
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 17, 2015, 08:30:11 PM
Im very conservative. I dont think anybody in this world wants the earth and all its creatures to survive, more than I do.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 17, 2015, 08:50:09 PM
Again Joy, I agree. I feel like other people are getting that feel like its a run-down, Hillbilly/redneck, wanna be version of Vegas. But I dont see it that way either, even though lots of stuff is going out or isnt looking to good, which is making it feel that way. I grew up in Branson and I think this would be a good idea, but like I said, how would they have room for trees, bigger sidewalk, and parking spaces along 76? Its already narrow and cant hold much more between the buildings as it is. Thats just how they built everything. They didnt expect sonething like this, in the past, to happen now. I dont know how its gonna happen, but Im very excited to see how it works out and what it looks like. I cant wait for the construction to start!
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Swoosh on May 17, 2015, 10:36:14 PM
I think the issue is that growth went unchecked for so long that now that it is starting to retract we have no rhyme or reason to where stuff is located.  The Strip is way too long for anyone to really walk it if they wanted to.  I have no desire to attempt to walk from the old Ray Stevens Theater to Dixie Stampede. 

If the town had had any sense they would have put zoning in as to where theaters could be built.  If there was a dedicated theater area it would have benefited everyone.  As is, we have a bunch of rundown rotting theaters that are not in use (and then some are now churches - which is awesome, but doesn't really do much to attract tourism).

Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 17, 2015, 11:08:13 PM
True, but none of that is good to me. The theater part, I mean.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: chittlins on May 17, 2015, 11:16:35 PM
I think the issue is that growth went unchecked for so long that now that it is starting to retract we have no rhyme or reason to where stuff is located.  The Strip is way too long for anyone to really walk it if they wanted to.  I have no desire to attempt to walk from the old Ray Stevens Theater to Dixie Stampede. 

If the town had had any sense they would have put zoning in as to where theaters could be built.  If there was a dedicated theater area it would have benefited everyone.  As is, we have a bunch of rundown rotting theaters that are not in use (and then some are now churches - which is awesome, but doesn't really do much to attract tourism).



The way they allowed building reminds me of Springdale Ar. They got a clue.a couple of years ago and everything on the west side has some hope but 2/3s of the city is just trashed.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 17, 2015, 11:19:19 PM
No way! I think Springdale is a very nice town.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Joy on May 18, 2015, 03:11:43 AM
If you browse through that proposal book, Laroy, you'll see that they cover the issue of space. They show how they would move parking to the side or back of buildings for the sake of making the fronts more visually appealing and giving the space needed for the road and sidewalk rehauls.

And from what I remember of the book (it's been a while since I read it), they kinda do go the route of "zoning" in an unofficial way. They divide the strip into specific areas, starting from Branson Landing all the way up to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Within each specific areas, they layout where current buildings are and how things can be built up around them or over them (the abandoned/rundown places). Each area has parks and nature trails laid out, and more.

Again, I urge everyone to even just skim through that book and look at the pictures. They have a very amazing, specific plan for all aspects of 76 in-town, and it's beautiful!
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on May 18, 2015, 06:01:39 AM
I think the issue is that growth went unchecked for so long that now that it is starting to retract we have no rhyme or reason to where stuff is located.  The Strip is way too long for anyone to really walk it if they wanted to.  I have no desire to attempt to walk from the old Ray Stevens Theater to Dixie Stampede. 

The unchecked growth is definitely the problem, but everyone is still discounting the massive impact of making the area walkable. It's not necessarily about being able to walk the entire thing - just simply being about to park one place and walk around a bit makes a huge difference. It is also how districts start to form since the most attractive areas on the strip will be the most walked and therefore have the most development sprout up. I mean if you could park at a theatre for a show, then walk to a nearby go-kart place (for example), then walk to a nearby restaurant that cuts out a lot of hectic driving around.

The older generation around here simply can't seem to understand this. They've grown up literally driving from lot to lot even when they're right next door to each other and they can't understand why anyone would want to walk anywhere. It's definitely the right move for my generation though because most of us want to be able to get out and walk around an interesting urban area vs. being stuck in traffic all day.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Junior, too! on May 18, 2015, 05:54:02 PM
Would you support a good bus or tram system, maybe a monorail from Branson Landing to the SDC parking lot? Do you think a project like that could get support?
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 18, 2015, 06:05:36 PM
I really love this idea. This will certainly keep me staying longer, by giving everybody interesting stuff to look at or go into that I have always wanted to. Im glad I will be able to get anywhere by way of walking or trolley. I like it when I have a chance to ride something, instead of me driving. This way, I can look around at all the sights, I wont cause a wreck, and nobody can blame it on me. Although, the closest trolley stop near SDC that I see, is at the Overlook. Im hoping that I can take the trolley from Branson Landing to SDC and back, without walking 2 miles just to get there. I give them a standing ovation for an excellent idea. 👏👏👏

Does anybody know when the construction for this will start and when it will be done?
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Junior, too! on May 18, 2015, 06:51:36 PM
I just threw the bus/trolley/monorail idea out for general conversation, I don't think it is part of the plan.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Pudgy Jones on May 19, 2015, 12:31:44 PM
Monorail? I hear those things are awfully loud...

(Simpsons reference that I couldn't pass up!)
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 19, 2015, 12:50:33 PM
Lol ^^^ ;D ;D ;D Simpsons.

But no, most Monorails Ive seen in videos were pretty silent, even though some could be loud.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: runner1960 on May 19, 2015, 05:42:33 PM
I just threw the bus/trolley/monorail idea out for general conversation, I don't think it is part of the plan.

Good option but expensive. Light rail might be a better choice. It would be great if they had done this instead of building all the roads in the 1990's. Central parking lots at major stops. Actually Electric street cars or trolleys would add to the atmosphere.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on May 19, 2015, 06:33:21 PM
Yes, but I think train travel would be better because you need less space for the tracks to lay, in width. Plus, everybody loves trains. I wish we could go back and forth from north branson to south branson along the tracks for free. We dont have many tracks in Branson, but we might as well use them all we can for free travel.
Title: Re: The "What's Wrong With Branson" Mega-Thread
Post by: MoOzark on July 08, 2015, 10:57:00 AM
I’ve studied the Branson Spirit of 76 Project at:   http://bransonspiritof76.com/  I’ve been reading about this project for many years and it seems that their purpose has changed. In the beginning there was a lot of talk about improving transportation. There was talk about building a monorail system, similar to Disney World, so that visitors could easily catch the monorail train and go anywhere on the strip. It was meant to ease the traffic problems. Now that part of the plan has been reduced to getting people to ride a bus. Many people don’t like riding a bus. It ranges from fear of the unknown (like where do I get on and where will it take me?) to fear of being robbed or assaulted. I agree that this project will make Branson more attractive. I’m not sure it will solve any traffic problems.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on July 08, 2015, 12:57:04 PM
Wow, lots of updates to the website since last I looked. I don't see the old PDF report from the original presentation. Can't tell how much was dropped between that and what was approved, but I was hoping it was mostly the same. Not a lot of detail on the actual plans on the website. Looks like construction will start fairly soon though.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on July 08, 2015, 04:47:54 PM
MoOzark, now that I think about it, you have a good point, but those people who are scared need to loosen up. This is Branson. Its one of the safest places in the world, that I know of. If they dont know where it goes, just ask sonebody because they should have studied up on all Branson stuff before they came, or got on.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: MoOzark on July 08, 2015, 05:02:47 PM
Okay, I went back and read the Spirit of 76 Project article that is posted on this SDCfans website. It does say that a Trolley System is proposed to run in the center lane. I not sure, from reading that article, if the Trolley will be constructed or if they are just leaving a space for it to be added later. I guess a trolley would be better than a bus system. However, now I'm wondering what kind of problems it will create for cars using the same center lane as a turning lane. I've been to San Francisco and it is rather scary to drive there and share the road with the trolleys.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on July 08, 2015, 06:18:18 PM
OMG thank you for posting that! Ive been thinking that ever since I first read that part. They will definately need a driver on the trolley because they will have to stop behind other cars wanting to turn. It will also make the turning lane line longer too.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: History Buff on July 08, 2015, 10:05:02 PM
A trolley?  or a bus that looks like a trolley?
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on July 09, 2015, 06:07:30 PM
Trolley. I hate those buses that look like trolleys, when theyre not trolleys! Like Eureka Springs. I feel like I wanna go up to them and tell them, These are not trolleys. Stop calling them trolleys! Trolleys run on tracks! Buses run on roads. Not hard to tell the difference.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: mhguy77 on February 20, 2016, 10:12:41 PM
I was in Branson today and I was not the only one with the idea.  Things were busy.  The Wax museam, mini golf, Grand Country were packed.
The mall was busy as well. I noted they were doing a lot of earth work at both the intersection adult obstacle course and also "the Pier at Branson Wheel" location.  That should really help out that part of town.  They painted the Riplys building horrible Mexican restaurant colors that really are not flattering.  Looks like the CiCi's is done and should open soon. I saw no movement at all on the tower that was supposed to go in at the old dollar store spot. Looking forward to a little life on the strip this summer in Branson.  I think these new additions will really assist the city to start to grow again.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: biscuitcreek on February 21, 2016, 04:07:45 PM
mhguy77, Cici's Pizza opened back in September. They were open when we drove by Friday night 2/19 but were not busy. The shows that were open on the strip Friday night were busy as was Andy's Custard and several restaurants.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: mhguy77 on February 21, 2016, 04:38:16 PM
Quote
mhguy77, Cici's Pizza opened back in September.
Shows how close I pay attention. They had cones out front of the doors, maybe they are seasonal.  I thought they were closed, it appears they are not done with the front as far as landscaping ext.  Maybe they were done but it sure didn't look very sharp out there.  I would say they have some more work to do.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: chittlins on February 21, 2016, 06:45:20 PM
I was in Branson today and I was not the only one with the idea.  Things were busy.  The Wax museam, mini golf, Grand Country were packed.
The mall was busy as well. I noted they were doing a lot of earth work at both the intersection adult obstacle course and also "the Pier at Branson Wheel" location.  That should really help out that part of town.  They painted the Riplys building horrible Mexican restaurant colors that really are not flattering.  Looks like the CiCi's is done and should open soon. I saw no movement at all on the tower that was supposed to go in at the old dollar store spot. Looking forward to a little life on the strip this summer in Branson.  I think these new additions will really assist the city to start to grow again.

70s in Feb so Folks Were out, Arkansas had over 28,000 for it's opening 3 game baseball series. You can't ever see the future but but SDC would have been packed this past Sat if it was open. Now, it will snow spring break.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Coaster on February 22, 2016, 01:14:46 PM
Great to hear that Branson was busy in February. You hardly ever hear that. Things are definitely looking up for Branson this year!
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: sanddunerider on February 22, 2016, 03:19:50 PM
I was there for "opening" weekend, Valentines day, there was enough traffic that I used the back streets and shortcuts...
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Dewayne on January 13, 2017, 08:21:31 PM
This thread has been dead lately. Does anybody know where they are at on the 76 project? Whats going on currently?
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: mhguy77 on January 14, 2017, 07:55:55 AM
I was up there last week and they are tearing up the roads.  a few spots with missing outside lanes.  6 ft deep ditches where the road was.  I would guess utilities.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: sanddunerider on January 14, 2017, 08:33:42 AM
I was up there last week and they are tearing up the roads.  a few spots with missing outside lanes.  6 ft deep ditches where the road was.  I would guess utilities.

Thats right MH, they are relocating and burying utilities on both side of 76.. :D :D
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on January 14, 2017, 01:55:27 PM
I don't think I ever bothered to drive past the new CiCi's, but here it is on google maps street view: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6431523,-93.2852135,3a,75y,243.6h,74.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smXI2b2uZ_K8ssWzEFFCh0A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

That is an example of proper design for the new 76 strip. It's build closer to the street with parking in back, there's bold and unique signage and visual features, and most importantly: a big ass sidewalk!

It's like night and day on either side of this thing now. You're forced to walk on a little strip right smack against the road and then suddenly you have this palatial landscaped area to walk through for 100 ft. It's a drop in the bucket, but it's actually pretty great that this process has already started. It might take 10 years to get a critical mass of new developments building like this, but when we get that it will pay off dividends.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Citydweller84 on January 15, 2017, 12:54:10 PM
I was up there last week and they are tearing up the roads.  a few spots with missing outside lanes.  6 ft deep ditches where the road was.  I would guess utilities.

Yeah, its all the utilites work they're doing right now. Its mostly concentrated around the 76 & Gretna area.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on April 13, 2017, 01:51:38 PM
Man, I can't believe how much work has gone on along 76 in just the past couple of years. It was totally unrecognizable to me as I drove through last weekend. I virtually always avoid it due to traffic, so it had been a few years since I've driven the whole thing. So much has finally been torn down, there's so many new buildings, and there's several new construction projects underway that I don't even know anything about. There's still some garrish parts left over from the tornado, but at this point I don't think I'd want them to develop any faster. I'm sure those areas will be filled in again within the next couple of years at this rate.

Of course the problem still is that I won't drive through this area under normal conditions, even though I'd love to visit some of these places more often.

It was also just announced that they will probably have to cease work on the Spirit of 76 project for the time being due to funding. They've hardly even started...
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Joy on April 13, 2017, 03:42:22 PM
It was also just announced that they will probably have to cease work on the Spirit of 76 project for the time being due to funding. They've hardly even started...

Shoot. I was wondering why the website for the project had disappeared! Thankfully, the project plan is still available to read here: https://issuu.com/bnim/docs/branson_final_140731_print_reduced

I really hope they can get the funding worked out; I've been looking forward to what they have planned!
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: sanddunerider on April 13, 2017, 05:48:06 PM
yes, lots of questions/concerns about who should have to pay for unfinished driveways,, and sidewalks if funded doesnt show up.

I also brought up about odd that this didnt show up until after election...  ??
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: biscuitcreek on June 10, 2017, 10:26:23 AM
Here's the latest update given by the mayor in regards to construction on 76 and in downtown, courtesy of Branson Tri-Lakes:

http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_c0b1f572-4d49-11e7-aac2-dbefb6ee77f0.html

Looks like there is going to be a significant break in both projects until there is more funding available.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: shavethewhales on June 10, 2017, 01:19:40 PM
Ugh. The only silver lining is that some good work has been put in already, and hopefully that will encourage them to come back to it when they can.

Unfortunately though stoppages like this can be a death knell, since it could be years before they are ready to work again and public attitude could shift by then. I'd think that the need for this kind of improvement will only be more drastic in the coming years as younger crowds flock to more walk-able, thoughtfully-built destinations like Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, or even Vegas and Orlando.

Even the newer things built in Branson are going to loose their shine pretty quickly without extra help... I mean, other than the ferris wheel and drop tower what has really been added of value on the strip recently? Another mini golf or two, a strip mall, and a CiCi's? There's a few nice things, but the random crap development is still drowning it out. It's nice to have new development in general, but it needs to be going somewhere positive.
Title: Re: Spirit of 76 Project
Post by: Junior, too! on July 24, 2017, 07:50:00 AM
Some discussion on the You might be from Branson FB site about comments made by the Branson mayor. The three piece statues of veterans purchased by the city from the veterans museum a few years ago is in question. 2 segments are now placed in public spaces, but a third piece is in storage. The mayor said something about selling it off to reduce storage and associated costs. Most folks want to see it placed in a public space, too. Some comments agreed with the mayors comments.