BRANSON, Mo – The Branson Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the proposed Aquarium at the Boardwalk at their regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. This means the company behind the project, Kuvera Partners, will now move forward with building a 46,000-square foot aquarium at the Northwest corner of the vacant Grand Palace property, located at 2700 West 76 Country Boulevard.
The proposed Aquarium at the Boardwalk is a $51 million project. Kuvera Partners asked for $7 million of TIF assistance. That $7 million will come from sales and admissions from the Aquarium itself and property taxes, generated within the TIF district.
Discussions regarding this particular TIF have been going on for several months. The TIF proposal went before the TIF Commission in January 2019 and was unanimously approved by that commission. The proposed TIF then went before the Board of Aldermen in an informational Study Session where the public was invited to give input and feedback. The Board of Aldermen then voted unanimously for the TIF in the first and second readings.
“We are excited about this opportunity to see an iconic location along 76 Highway be brought back to life. This project and TIF fits in line with Branson family values, will spur economic growth across the City and will do what TIF’s are meant to do – develop partnerships with developers with no risks to the City or its residents,” said City Administrator Stan Dobbins.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk is being designed to focus on fish and fun, taking guests on an undersea adventure to explore, play, and capture great photos, along with enjoying spectacular views of a wide variety of sea animals. The attraction is slated to open in Summer 2020.
Kuvera Partners will hold a groundbreaking ceremony today, Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 11 am at the future site of the Aquarium at the Boardwalk. For more information about the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, visit www.AquariumAtTheBoardwalk.com