Rick Huffman - Branson Landing Happy with results

Branson Landing owner jubilant Kathryn Buckstaff News-Leader Published on June 15th in the Springfield News Leader Branson — For developer Rick Huffman, the one-year birthday of Branson Landing marks more than five years of dreaming, planning and fighting for his vision. He's happy with the results. "I'm down there at least once a week, usually to eat," he said. "My wife's down once or twice a week to shop." Huffman started working construction jobs when he was 13. He's built shopping centers, subdivisions and time-share projects in several states. "This one is definitely more personal because it's in the city we live in," Huffman said. "When you build in other cities, you kind of lose touch with it, but when it's in your own backyard, you take more pride in ownership." From a business perspective, Huffman said he's "very happy with the attendance and sales and the stores that have become our tenants." Huffman said there's only one down side to owning Branson Landing: "When you go down there, you see what's wrong. ... One light bulb out drives me crazy, and then I drive our maintenance staff crazy." Huffman, who grew up in Wichita, began his career at a securities firm where his job was to analyze developments. In 1989, Huffman and partners Sam Catanese and Marc Williams visited Branson and bought some lots in Thousand Hills, a profitable investment soon developed. Huffman has added other partners over the years including Lebanon tycoon Robert Plaster. In 1992, Huffman moved his family to Branson. He and his wife, Sue Ann, have four sons and a daughter. Projects here include the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, which he brought to town and built. In 2002, HCW Development Company — with Huffman as president — was one of six companies that responded to Branson's request for downtown lakefront proposals. "I have a love for building things," Huffman said when HCW's project was selected by city officials. "I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of seeing something built and knowing it's going to be there for the next 100 years." Huffman hasn't rested on his laurels. Work is under way on Branson Hills, the largest residential development ever built in Branson. Its Tribute Golf Club, set to open this fall, will honor Springfield's late golf professional Payne Stewart. Future projects include opening a Starbucks in historic downtown Branson, a block from Branson Landing. Huffman is still working on Landing View, lakefront condominiums in Hollister. And he awaits word on a hotel project proposal in downtown Springfield. Huffman said plans for a 25-story hotel in Branson are on hold. His proposal drew criticism from some who opposed the building's height, but it was approved by the Board of Aldermen. "The feasibility study showed it's too early to warrant building that building," Huffman said. "We need to give Branson a few more years. Just financially, it won't work today. At least it's approved if it ever does happen." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com