Design Workshop Selected by the City of Branson, Missouri to Update Comprehensive Development Plan

Firm Will be Responsible for Creating a Long-Term Strategy That Addresses Issues Such as Growth Management, Economic Development and Sustainability

19 July 2010

Denver – Design Workshop, an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm with six offices in the U.S. and work spanning the globe, was recently selected to update the City of Branson's Comprehensive Plan. The updated plan will set forth guidelines that address growth management, economic development and redevelopment projects, and provide a framework to enhance the community and its multi-faceted tourism economy for the next decade and beyond.

Design Workshop will work closely with the City of Branson to outline key action items and implementation strategies that will help guide policy decisions in regards to land use, community design, housing, transportation, infrastructure, recreation, culture and historic preservation, health, education, safety and security, and governance. The plan will also provide the context for which future capital improvement investment decisions can be made.

“There were many firms that had the potential to do the work, but only one that we felt had the insight and experience to do what we needed. Our work was more than an update of a previous comprehensive plan, it was an effort to bring the community together to establish a common vision,” said Jim Lawson, Jr., director for the City of Branson Planning & Development division. “We were convinced that Design Workshop could bridge the many gaps in our community and create a 20-year work plan for it.”

One of the City of Branson's main goals in completing this Comprehensive Plan update is to define a vision for a sustainable future. Some of the opportunities to achieve this goal include:

• Respond to changing demographics
• Celebrate authenticity and revitalize the historic downtown
• Incentivize infill (unoccupied space)
• Define parameters for growth
• Enhance community vibrancy elements (i.e., parks, affordable housing, and transportation)
• Utilize tourism infrastructure to create a more diverse economy

As part of the plan development process, Design Workshop and the City of Branson will work extensively to engage and involve the local community to create a common vision for the city's future that reflects the values of area residents.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen by the City of Branson to play such an integral in developing a plan that will outline a vision for the city's future and build upon its rich history,” said Rebecca Zimmermann, president of Design Workshop. “Branson's success over the years can be seen in its authenticity, appeal to families and community pride, and we look forward to supporting this legacy as it moves forward.”

About Design Workshop
Founded in 1969, Design Workshop is an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm with six offices in the U.S. and work spanning the globe. The firm has been recognized with over 150 prestigious awards for its work in new communities, urban centers, resorts, public parks, golf courses and residences. The firm's philosophy challenges the project team to equally integrate and balance artistic vision, environmental sensitivity, community values and sound economics to create unique places that stand the test of time. It refers to this approach as DW Legacy Design®.