A re-groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for the Tuscany Village Project, nearly 7-years since the project was shut down.

“Everybody’s been curious they’ve been driving by this site for a long time,” said Scott Hausman,  Tuscany Village Co-Developer.

More than 50 people attended the event at the project’s location at the northwest corner of I-29 and N. Highway 169.

The first phase will consist of around 27 acres of mixed use commercial development.  The plan is to make it a Tuscany theme with a roundabout included.

Hausman said the project currently has five businesses committed to locating in the development.  Speedy’s World Headquarters is one of those expected to relocate to the development.  Hausman was unwilling to share the names of the other commitments but said a major brand flag hotel with 108 rooms, several restaurants not already in St. Joseph, and retail establishments are also in the works.

Starting Monday Hausman said work will begin again.

“The bulldozers sitting here they’re turned loose,” Hausman said. “Come Monday they’re supposed to be running.”

Tuscany Village Project gained approval by St. Joseph City Council in 2005.  However, due to the downward turn of the economy Hausman said the project was put on hold in 2007.

Streets and utilities are set to go in immediately. That is expected to be completed by fall of this year.

Hausman said buildings will then be constructed with some estimated for opening in late spring of 2016.