Imagine Hospitality to build family destination resort
Imagine Hospitality is to build a family destination resort in the City of Hollister, Missouri, a suburb of the entertainment capital of Branson. The 575,000-square-foot resort will be situated on 68 acres within the Hollister city limits. The property will feature an array of amenities aimed at attracting and entertaining multiple generations of families. It’s understood that the resort will provide each guest – no matter how young or old – with the opportunity to interact in “unique” ways with a collection of some of the world’s most beloved entertainment, attraction and media brands.
This family resort, which represents an estimated $300 million investment in the community, will be a transformative economic-development project in this Ozark Mountain town. The property, which will create an estimated 450 new jobs, will feature a 100,000-square-foot indoor themed waterpark, 450 guest rooms and cabins, many of which will be specially themed, six to eight themed restaurants and dining experiences, 40,000 square feet of family entertainment space, 10,000 square feet of retail space, 30,000 square feet of convention space ideal for corporate meetings and family reunions, and both adult and themed children’s spas.
“We’re so pleased to bring the world’s first of these family-friendly, branded destination resorts to the vibrant vacation area of Hollister and Branson,” said Bruce Neviaser, CEO and Managing Member of Imagine Resorts. “This resort will be an exciting addition to the area, and we look forward to being an active member of the business community. In short, we’re thrilled to be welcomed into the region’s tourism family.”
The City of Hollister has been communicating with the Imagine team for years, so this announcement marks the end of the planning chapter and the beginning of the development story. The goal is to break ground for the project in the first half of 2021, with a grand opening slated for 2023.
“Throughout Hollister’s history, we’ve been a community of imagination and innovation,” said Hollister Mayor David G. Tate. “This project builds on that proud tradition. Our city, which already figures prominently in a region that’s known for its incredible commitment to families and fun, is delighted to welcome such a unique resort to our portfolio of travel and entertainment experiences.”
Rick Ziegenfuss, the city administrator for Hollister, added, “During the past three years we have worked closely with the Imagine team to bring this new and exciting leisure destination to our community. It has been our pleasure to work with these experienced professionals to create the next generation of Hollister’s bright future.
