Huge road signs alert drivers that part of Crabtree Crossing Parkway is closed in order to install sewer lines at the mixed-used shopping center. Road crews have been working weekends to install new traffic lights. And turn lanes are under construction.

The project has been five years in the making and its first retailer, Target, is expected to open Oct. 5. The remaining stores that are part of the first phase will open on a rolling basis by spring 2012, according to Casto, the developer of the project.

Back in 2008, Morrisville projected Park West Village would generate $625,000 a year in town tax revenue. Updated revenue figures show the value at $500,000.

The first phase of the project is 375,000 square feet of retail space and includes stores like T.J.Maxx, Rack Room Shoes and Dress Barn.

Park West Village's first phase is 85 percent occupied and has four to five pending contracts, said Casto spokeswoman Sarah Benson Heinrichs.

Ross and Buffalo Wild Wings are the newest additions to the mixed-used development, signing on in early July.

"We're pleased this development will not only meet our local patrons' needs, but we're thrilled to bring jobs to the Morrisville economy," Heinrichs said.

Ross will occupy 25,000 square feet and intends to open first quarter of 2012. Buffalo Wild Wings will open in December, said Heinrichs.

Target will have its soft opening Oct. 5 and will be followed by a grand opening Oct. 9, said company spokeswoman Sarah Van Nevel.

The store will hire about 150 to 250 employees. Applications can be filed online on the company's website and hiring will begin in mid-August.

The store will feature an expanded selection of grocery, including fresh produce, meat and bakery goods. The latest store prototype also features redesigned beauty, shoe, electronics, jewelry and home departments, she said.

It will look similar to the stores on Grove Barton Road and North Hills in Raleigh, she said.

Morrisville Chamber of Commerce President Carlotta Ungaro said the shopping center would be a boon for the town.

"I think the need in Morrisville is greater for retail," said Ungaro. "The retail here is more limited than in other communities. We are thrilled to have the sales here and the tax dollars staying here."

The next two phases of the mixed-use shopping center will include 275 residential units, a movie theater, a fitness center and office space.

"We are thrilled to have the variety of retail and restaurants. The development has added features that will contribute to Morrisville's sense of place," she said.

Casto and 1st Carolina Properties have been planning Park West since 2006 when the region was in a retail building boom.

The partners bought the manufacturing facility from Andrx with plans to build as many as 425 apartments or condominiums; 50,000 square feet of offices; 690,000 square feet of stores and restaurants; a movie theater with 2,990 seats; and a 140-room hotel.

But as the recession spread, tenants and lenders retreated. And the project was delayed.

Developers resubmitted plans for a scaled-back project under the Park West Village name, and the town approved the revised plans in 2010.

Previously, there was strong resident opposition to the project. In 2008, about 800 residents signed a petition against the project. Residents were concerned about additional traffic on N.C. 54, problems with stormwater runoff, increased crime and erosion of the small-town feel in Morrisville.

Developers agreed to widen N.C. 54 from two lanes to four lanes from the intersection of Cary Parkway to Weston Parkway and install flood controls to help meet residents' concerns.