And, originally, the Harrisons said they were told the project would go all the way to 400 S. State — to their property.

That won't happen because contract talks fell through and the western-wear store on the property decided to stay put.

Some people are confused by the nearby construction, however.

"People think we're moving," Pamela Harrison said. "(Midtown hasn't) bought us. We like our location. We plan on being here."

Nearby, Kim Boun, office manager of CLP Skill Trade Solutions, a construction-staffing business, said she is excited about the new addition to the city. Midtown Village is scheduled for completion by January 2008.

"(People) will be visually seeing CLP when they're stopping by (Midtown). It's kind of like a Wal-Mart effect — a lot of stores will place themselves next to Wal-Mart just for free advertising."

"I can't imagine it not being positive for us," said Joey Leyba, senior technician and manager of the Orem Tunex, 184 S. State. "People can go there and shop, drop their car off here."

Many Tunex customers drop off their cars then walk to nearby stores, Leyba said. With a destination spot so close, it may bring more cars to the shop.

So until 2008, cranes will continue to frame the Orem skyline as they piece together the steel addition to State Street.

"It seems like they're taking an awfully long time," said Dean Phelps, manager of Napa Auto Parts at 110 E. 400 South. "I'd like to see it done. It might be a good thing for us, draw more traffic to us. It's hard to say."

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E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com