The two-block project, dubbed Tukwila Village, may include two three-story office buildings, space for restaurants, two dozen condominiums, a 214-space parking deck and a public plaza. It is planned for both sides of South 144th Street just east of Highway 99, also known in that stretch as Tukwila International Boulevard.

Tukwila has been working for two years to bring a 6.6-acre town center to Highway 99, and with construction now slated to begin next spring, it appears to be coming to fruition. Through proceeds from $10 million in bond sales, a $3.63 million federal loan and a $455,000 federal grant, the city will acquire the land and pay for park amenities -- benches and walkways -- and the parking garage.

The land will likely be sold to a developer and the rest of the city expenses would be recouped through subsequent sales- and property tax revenues the project generates. The previously selected developer, Fred McConkey, recently backed out of the arrangement to work on more immediate projects.