An August 15 article in the Wichita Eagle, entitled “Opportunities lure local businessmen to Ozark Resort,” reported on the connection between, what it, among other names, refers to as the “Wichita Mafia,” and the Branson Landing project. It said that the “Wichita Mafia” is simply “a bunch of guys who gradually switched from doing business in Wichita to developing in — and finally moving to — Branson, Mo.”
In keeping with its theme, the article describes some of the people who can make things happen in Branson and their financial commitment to making them happen. It said, “Chief among the movers and shakers in the development community are [Rick] Huffman, Santo ‘Sam’ Catanese and Marc Williams of HCW LLC.”
It further reported that “The development company won a major bid for the Branson Landing project, a $300 million public-private partnership to develop retail, hotel and convention center space on Lake Taneycomo.” The article continues, “HCW’s financial investment in the project, which has been likened to San Antonio’s Riverwalk, is $180 million.” Oh, really!
In actuality, “the development company” that won the bid for the Branson Landing project was not HCW LLC it was an entirely different company. The company mentioned in the article, HCW L.L.C., was created in May of 2000. HCW Development Company, L.L.C. (HCW), the company that won the bid for the Branson Landing project on
If “HCW’s financial investment in the project…is 180 million” where has it been spent? The Ole Seagull is aware of tens upon tens of millions of dollars being spent by the citizens and businesses of Branson on the Branson Landing project through their Board of Alderman and city administration. He has yet to see a report indicating that HCW has spent or invested $180 million in the project.
If the public record is any indication, one could almost get the impression that the only money being spent by HCW is money for which they get reimbursed by the city. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see a comparison of how much of its own funds HCW has “invested” or will invest, as compared to the tens of millions that the city has spent thus far and the tens of millions both HCW and the city will borrow to complete the project?
The article also states that the Branson Landing project “has been likened to San Antonio’s Riverwalk.” Who can honestly compare the history, intimacy, atmosphere, design, pedestrian flow, tenant mix, and the water feature of the San Antonio Riverwalk, with the projected Branson Landing project? Could it be some of the same people who describe it as a “world class attraction?”
How “world class” can it be, if people are concerned that competition from a “regional shopping center” in Branson Hills could effect its success? In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, the Branson Landing Project is about as close to being “world class” as the investment of HCW in it to date, is to $180 million. Oh, it will more than likely be built. The only question is, whether five years after it opens, will it be “likened to San Antonio’s Riverwalk” or the “Titanic?”
Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.
