The City of Branson launches the renovation of what will be the new Police Department Headquarters with a loud opening ceremony.
City and area leaders along with members of the media met at the former White House Theater on Gretna Road which will be renovated over the next 12-18 months to house the Branson Police Department as well as Administrative Offices for the Branson Fire Department. Training facilities will also be a part of the complex.
Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt, City Administrator Cathy Stepp, Mayor Larry Milton all addressed the crowd as did Ward 3 Alderman Ralph LeBlanc, who originally presented the idea of purchasing the abandoned theater instead of proceeding with the original plan to purchase land and build a new facility. Milton said renovating this building will save the city over $10 million on the project.
After the comments, the demolition ceremony including the hammering of drywall, shooting through glass, and two explosions that knocked down doors.
Officials project the new facility will be ready by earlier 2026.
Coverage of the ceremony can be seen on both the "Ozarks Now" and "Upside" Facebook pages with an interview to air later this week on "Lakes Area Focus" with Police Chief Eric Schmitt below:
Crews clear the debris after the explosion during Wednesday's ceremony.
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