Ozark city officials and the developers of Marabella held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20, marking the start of a 229‑acre mixed‑use development east of James River Church. The project, called Marabella Planned Unit Development, is expected to provide almost 800 housing units ranging from apartments and townhouses to traditional single‑family homes.
Mayor emphasizes housing variety for families
Mayor Don Currence said the community will offer “a variety of housing options for residents and for families of all ages, size, stage and walks of life, whether it’s apartment, traditional single‑family home, townhouses or patio homes.” The goal, according to developers, is to create a “life‑cycle community” where residents can stay as their needs change.
Project scope and amenities
The development will be built in 18 phases. It includes 536 single‑family residential lots, a dedicated townhome phase, and a multi‑family phase limited to three stories. Ten commercial parcels will host neighborhood businesses, and more than 48 acres—over 20 percent of the site—will remain green space with walking trails, a 6,000‑square‑foot pool, pickleball courts and other shared recreation areas.
Four miles of integrated walking trails will connect homes to the commercial area and to public green space. A trail along the south border will eventually link to the Chadwick Flyer trail, providing broader regional connectivity.
Construction timeline
Mark Trigg, Director of Development for Marabella LLC, said construction on the first phase of single‑family homes is slated to begin this winter. He described the overall effort as a four‑ to five‑year undertaking, noting the developers intend to “do it right” given the project’s size.
Road improvements and infrastructure
To accommodate the new neighborhood, the developers are widening several surrounding roads. Farmers Branch Road will receive a new right‑ and left‑turn lane for three‑quarters of a mile. Southernview Road on the north side and Blue Stem Road on the east side will also be widened, with added culverts to improve water runoff.
Electric service will be provided through a territory swap between Liberty Utilities and Ozark Electric Cooperative, approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission in June 2025.
Legal backdrop
The site is currently involved in a lawsuit filed by natural‑gas provider Spire Missouri, Inc. against the city of Springfield, alleging that Springfield is encroaching on Spire’s certified service territory. The dispute does not affect the Marabella development’s progress, but it highlights the complex utility landscape in the region.
Community and organizational support
Show Me Christian County (SMCC) CEO Kristen Haseltine noted that Marabella has been “years in the making.” The project has received backing from SMCC, the Ozark Chamber of Commerce and local elected officials. In November 2025, Ozark’s Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a series of ordinances that cleared the way for the development, citing alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan for diverse housing and green‑space preservation.
Developers Steve and Connie Faria, who also operate Faria Resorts in the Branson area, own Marabella LLC. Their experience with lakefront properties is expected to inform the design and management of the new community.
What this means for Ozark families
When completed, Marabella will add a substantial supply of housing options for current and future Ozark residents, potentially easing demand for affordable homes while offering higher‑end estate options. The inclusion of commercial lots aims to create local employment opportunities and reduce the need for long commutes.
City leaders and developers say the project reflects Ozark’s long‑term vision for growth that balances new construction with the preservation of natural areas and walkable neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
