Triple-play TIF: Branson green lights $400 million Gretna reboot with homes, hotels and sports hub

Branson is moving forward with a big plan to revitalize a 136-acre area at Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive. The redevelopment plan, called the Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan, aims to transform this area with new businesses, homes, hotels and sports facilities. Private developers are estimated to invest over $300 million in the project, and the city will invest an additional $100 million in its public project.

On September 9, 2025, the Branson Board of Aldermen took several key actions. They officially approved the overall TIF Plan for the Branson Meadows area and confirmed its "blighted" status. They also approved the Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Agreement with Branson Meadows TIF CO, LLC, which will lead to two of the three project areas.

During this meeting, the Board also conducted the first reading of ordinances for Redevelopment Project Areas 1 and 2, approving and designating them as Redevelopment Projects under the Gretna TIF and adopting "Tax increment allocation financing" for taxable real property in the two project areas.

Redevelopment Project Area 1 is a private development expected to include approximately 150 residential units, a sports entertainment facility, a historical tourist attraction and a hotel with about 200 rooms, along with supporting infrastructure. The estimated initial cost for this part of the development is about $179.2 million. Over 23 years, it's projected to bring in about $53.5 million in special tax revenues, which will help reimburse eligible project costs through various incentive programs. Construction for Project Area 1 is planned to begin in 2027 with a 2030 completion date.

Redevelopment Project Area 2, also a private development, will include approximately 110 residential units and 31 rental cabins, two new restaurants, a convenience store, a sporting goods store and a strip retail development. This area will also involve necessary land preparation and new public and private infrastructure. The estimated initial cost for Project Area 2 is around $120.8 million. It is projected to generate about $33.3 million in special tax revenues over 23 years, helping to reimburse eligible project costs through the same incentive programs as Project Area 1. Construction is scheduled to start in 2029 and is expected to be completed by 2032.

Redevelopment Project Area 3 (City Project Area) is a public development led by the City of Branson or a partner. It is planned to host a large indoor and/or outdoor sports and recreation complex, covering approximately 170,320 square feet. This complex will offer various facilities for sports and recreation, along with all necessary infrastructure and parking. The total estimated cost for the City's project is about $100.6 million. For this area, the City expects to generate approximately $20.3 million in TIF revenues (property and sales taxes) over 23 years to cover its costs. Construction is slated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, with a target for completion by 2029.

Overall, the Gretna TIF aims to significantly boost the local economy and transform a neglected area into a vibrant mixed-use destination, dramatically increasing property and sales tax revenues for the benefit of the community.