The first phase, which is expected to be done in the fall of next year, will consist of 345 housing units and 65,000 sf of retail space, and will cost anestimated $63 million. The four-story building in the first phase will feature retail and restaurant space on the ground level with housing above that. Theproject includes two parking structures, underground residential parking and on-street parking.

The project is intended to create an environment friendly both to cars and pedestrians, and will focus on a 2.5-acre central boulevard and town green. St. Louis Park Mayor Jeff Jacobs says he thinks the project will "revitalize Excelsior Boulevard and become our Downtown, something we have not had in the past."

The project is another in a line of attempts by Twin Cities suburbs to create a "downtown atmosphere" in a suburban shopping and housing environment. The architects on the project are Minneapolis-based Elness Swenson Graham Architects Inc. Bor-Son Construction Inc., Minneapolis, is the general contractor and Great Lakes Management will lease and manage the residential units.