Aquarium at the Boardwalk Breaks Ground in Branson

February 27, 2019

BRANSON, MO (FEB 27, 2019) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for Aquarium at the Boardwalk, an attraction focusing on fish and fun, which is set to open in the heart of the Branson entertainment district in Summer 2020. The 46,000-square-foot aquarium is being developed at the northwest corner of the former Grand Palace property by Kuvera Partners through its affiliate Branson Entertainment Center – Branson, LLC.

As part of its commitment to the City of Branson, Kuvera will refresh the long-vacant parcel at 2700 West 76 Country Boulevard and reactivate this important area of Branson’s key entertainment district. The City of Branson supported the project by providing $7 million in tax incentives. This amount represents 13.7% of the total $51 million budget.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Aquarium at the Boardwalk was joyful. Participants L to R: Jeff Seifried (Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Comemerce and CVB); Mayor Karen Best; Greg Baker and Bill Jones (Branson Bank); Kendall Polk and Jason Holliman (Citizens National Bank); Chuck O’Day, Raubi Sundher, and Tej Sundher (Kuvera Partners); Tiffany Rawson and Jason Mills (PGAV Destinations); Ivan Crossland, Jr., Curt Crossland, and John Priest (Crossland Construction Company); and Jonas Arjes (Taney County Partnership).

Both the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission and Board of Aldermen voted unanimously for TIF assistance for the aquarium after a full year of study and validation by multiple outside consultants that the project would be beneficial for the City.

“We are extremely excited to begin moving dirt within days to make way for Aquarium at the Boardwalk,” says Partner Tej Sundher. “Most importantly, we are beyond thankful to so many people here in Branson who have invested their time and thoughtful consideration of this project to allow it to move forward. The Board of Aldermen, TIF Commission, City Staff, City Consultants, Branson School Board, Project Branson, and so many others in the community have our respect and appreciation.”

Sundher also announced and introduced the key groups that will be moving forward to make Aquarium at the Boardwalk a reality:

  • Debt financing for a total of $29 million (56.9% of the project costs) will be handled by Citizens National Bank of Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson Bank of Branson, MO
  • Architect and Design services will be provided by PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, MO
  • The General Contractor for the project will be Crossland Construction Company of Columbus, KS

“This project is part of our continued focus to bring year-round jobs and economic development to Branson,” according to Mayor Karen Best. “We are confident that Aquarium at the Boardwalk will be successful in bringing us new visitors, creating a net gain for everyone, and we’re thrilled to be supporting Kuvera Partners in this venture.”

Aquarium at the Boardwalk will take guests on an undersea adventure to explore, play, and capture great photos, along with enjoying spectacular views of a wide variety of sea animals. For more information, or to be placed on a distribution list for updates, please visit www.www.aquariumattheboardwalk.com.