At Pro Build Construction Services, we focus on economically thriving areas, such as lakefront and resort communities at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. We realize the importance of your investment, and that the quality of your customers’ experience on the inside of their home should extend to the outside as well.  In addition to an abundance of water activities, golf courses, shopping and fine dining, the Lake of the Ozarks has expanded to offer residents a more convenient living environment.  In recent years, Lowes, Home Depot, Outback Steak House, Starbucks, Hy-Vee grocery store, Applebees, Steak n Shake, Target, Pier 1 Imports, Walgreens, Marshals, and Chili’s have all constructed Ozark locations. The following articles further articulate the changes taking place at the Lake of the Ozarks.

“Lake Market Resists Trends”

Despite a weak, housing market across the nation, realtors say the lake area continues to show signs of resisting those trends.  The lake area has a lot to offer and it is showing when it comes to the real estate market, according to Conda Davidson, a lake area realtor and member of the Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS®.  While there are slightly fewer real estate deals happening at the Lake of the Ozarks this year compares to years’ past, the average selling price of real estate continues to increase steadily.  The selling average for residential property jumped from $271,000 to $283,000 in a single year.  Commercial real estate saw the biggest gain in average selling price, climbing from an average of $545,000 to an average of $628,000, according to the most recent reports released by the association. … Ryan Gattermeir, vice president of the association, says steady growth keeps the Lake of the Ozarks market unique from other real estate markets and encourages potential buyers to value local trends over national trends. …

“Lake Market Resists Trends.”  Lake Sun August 30, 2008

“Lake Residential Market Keeps Head Above Water”

So far, the Lake of the Ozarks has remained largely immune to the nationwide downturn in home sales.  That’s particularly the case when it comes to high-end, single family properties, say real estate and design professionals.  “The Lake of the Ozarks still has some economic magnetism, with more money coming in than going out,” said Joe Zanola, president of the Rock Hill base Zanola Co. market research firm.  His company tracks real estate trends in St. Louis, the Lake area and other parts of Missouri. … Kirvan (Virginia Kirvan, a broker/owner with RE/MAX Elite Team in Osage Beach) said the real estate market is keeping its head above water in the Lake area mainly because the region is still attracting wealthier buyers with plenty of cash to spend on vacation homes.  She said there were fewer home transactions in the area last year than in previous years, but dollar volume actually increased because the homes for sale are carrying bigger price tags. …

Johnson, Julia M. “Lake Residential Market Keeps Head Above Water.”  St Louis Business Journal  May 23-29, 2008

“Verizon Wireless Expands Network Missouri’s Springfield/Branson/Lake of the Ozarks Areas”

Verizon Wireless customers in the Springfield, Branson and Lake of the Ozarks region now have direct access to the nation’s most reliable wireless network.  Investing more than $26 million in the expansion of its network, Verizon Wireless has constructed 89 new cell sites through the new markets.  The expanded coverage means that both new and existing customers will enjoy Verizon Wireless’ reliable network, clearer reception, and few dropped calls throughout the region.  The expansion also links to existing service territories in the Rolla area and southwest Missouri, providing Verizon Wireless customers with seamless service along Interstate 44 from St. Louis to Joplin… “We are always working to increase our network coverage and reliability, and our expansion throughout central and southwest Missouri is an important part of this commitment,” said Sigillo.  “Local residents, businesses and visitors will have direct access to the benefits of Verizon Wireless, including local points of purchase opening next month …”
“Verizon Wireless Expands Network in Missouri’s Springfield/Branson/Lake of the Ozarks Areas.” PR Newswire January 25, 2008. Retrieved February 2008, from www.prnewswire.com

“Lowe’s Opening Its Doors in Ozarks”

The superstore has 116,000 square feet of retail sales space, with an adjacent garden center, stocking 40,000 different items to help customers build, improve and beautify their homes. A store of this size represents an average investment for the company of $18.5 million and creates up to 175 new jobs. …

 “Lowe’s Opening Its Doors in Ozarks.” January 25, 2008 Press release. Retrieved March 2008.

“The Lake ‘immune’ to the Real Estate Slump?”

We spoke with Mike Terry, long-time Lake of the Ozarks REALTOR® and owner of Community Real Estate.  Mike says, that while there is a drop in sales, it’s specific to certain segments of the market, and overall the numbers here aren’t that bad… As far as financing, Mike says that the rest of the country may be in a credit crunch, but he’s not seeing that here with the type of clients the Lake are draws.  “We probably don’t have that as much as people in major markets- and the reason is that so many of the homes we sell at the Lake are for second homes.  And those are people that have discretionary income…

“The Lake ‘immune’ to the real estate slump?” Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal January 2008, Pg. 2

“John Q. Hammons Planning a 320 room Chateau Style Resort with 100,000 Sq Ft of Meeting Space on the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri”

Mr. John Q. Hammons today revealed his plans to develop a first-class, luxury property on a 30-acre waterfront location near the Grand Glaize Bridge at the popular Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Mo.  Inspired by Mr. Hammons’ extensive study of chateaus and castles of the world, the 15-story, 320-rooms and suites, European-style property will be called Chateau on Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Mo., and will feature a spa and over 100,000 gross square feet of meeting space… Representing Mr. Hammons’ 14th property in Missouri, Chateau on Lake of the Ozarks is slated to open spring 2010 with construction expected to begin spring 2008…

“John Q. Hammons Planning a 320 room Chateau Style Resort with 100,000 Sq Ft of Meeting Space on Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri.” Hotel Online March 7, 2007.  Retrieved February 2008, from www.hotel-online.com

“Rive D’Lago Set to Build Landmark on Shawnee Bend”

Riva D’Lago, LLC group has announced plans to develop a large world-class resort on the lake’s Westside.  The proposed resort will be at the eastern end of The Villages at Shawnee Bend.  The proposal includes an upscale resort hotel with spa, exhibition center facilities and a full complement of amenities. … the project includes a 306-room 5-star hotel, restaurant, conference center, spa, indoor/outdoor pools and lakefront activities.  The resort’s hotel will feature an Infinity Pool that will flow through the property to the lake. … Riva D’Lago intends to develop the property as designed by the architectural and design firm of Loebl Schlossman and Hackl of Chicago.  They are recognized, in particular, for their design of the Chicago’s Water Tower Place, site of the Ritz Carlton Hotel.  The firm specializes in developing projects with mixed used that incorporate commercial, retail and residential areas. …

“Rive D’Lago Set to Build Landmark on Shawnee Bend.”  Publication Unknown 2007.

“Lake Ozark Annexes Land Below the Dam; Move Clears the Way for Silver Star Development’s Ties to Plan for Bagnell Dam Strip Association Revitalization”

…The annexation will allow the Bagnell Dam Strip Association to move forward with funding options for the revitalization project that includes the land below the dam.  One of the funding mechanisms the BDSA is considering is through a Missouri Department of Economic Development program called MODESA that is similar to a tax increment financing district that allows certain taxes to be used for redevelopment projects…Ron Armitage of Silver Star Development, says the project the company has planned will transform the land along the Osage River below Bagnell Dam into a multi-million dollar family-oriented entertainment complex. …

“Lake Ozark annexes land below the dam; move clears the way for Silver Star Development’s ties to plan for Bagnell Dan Strip Association revitalization.” Lake Sun Leader Unknown Date

“Lake News Focus: Hwy 54”

When the Highway 54 expressway is completed in December 2010, travelers will be able to pass through Osage Beach at 65 mph, while local drivers will be able to enter or exit the high-speed roadway at any of six separate locations. … The expressway will carry thru traffic along a four-lane roadway from just west of state Route KK in Osage Beach to the junction of Highway 54 and Business 54 in Lake Ozark.  When the expressway project is completed, the current Highway 54 will be renamed “Business 54” and ownership of the roadway and the responsibility for its maintenance will be turned over to the City of Osage Beach.  MoDot will own and maintain the expressway. … According to MoDot, traffic on Highway 54 through Osage Beach during the summer seasons averages between 43,000 and 50,000 cars per day.  Projections call for those numbers to increase to 72,000 cars per day over the next 20 years.  If nothing is done by the year 2020 Highway 54 will be in total gridlock and it will be nearly impossible to travel from one end of Osage Beach to the other during the tourist season. …

Abbott, Ceil. “Lake News Focus: Hwy 54.”  Unknown Date. Retrieved February 2008, from www.lakeozarkroads.org