First fishing-focused resort at Lake of the Ozarks to break ground Oct. 3 in Osage Beach

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

OSAGE BEACH, Mo., (KBSI) – A first-of-its-kind fishing-focused resort will break ground Oct. 3 in Osage Beach, coinciding with the Big Bass Bash that draws more than 3,500 anglers to Lake of the Ozarks.

The $7 million Anglers Outpost will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at 6051 Osage Beach Blvd. Local leaders, investors and business partners are expected to attend.

Phase one of the resort will feature 24 suites, each equipped with a 12-by-60-foot garage large enough to store a truck and boat. Each unit will include two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a small social area. Amenities planned for the clubhouse include golf simulators, card tables, darts and lounge areas.

“This is an entire campus designed by fishermen, built by fishermen, to serve fishermen,” said project mastermind Tom Lloyd Jr., a competitive angler who travels nationwide for tournaments.

The project is being developed by AO LOZ Realty Partners, a Missouri-based investor group. Managing Partner Sri Madala said the resort will also welcome boating families, company retreats and client outings when tournaments are not scheduled.

Mayor Michael Harmison said the project is expected to boost area businesses, drawing an estimated 10,000 visitors annually.

Site preparation work is complete, and full construction is set to begin Oct. 4. Blunier Builders of Washington, Ill., is the lead contractor, with engineering and design by WSP and Chiodini Architects of St. Louis.

A “shovel ceremony” will follow the groundbreaking, and anglers participating in the Big Bass Bash are invited to a happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. with complimentary food and drinks.