The District, located between 11400 South and 11800 South and 3600 West and the Bangerter Highway, is expected to feature no fewer than 10 anchor stores, a grocery store, a Target store and a 20-screen Larry H. Miller Megaplex theater. The first phase of development, which includes the bulk of the major businesses, is expected to cost around $120 million. Comparisons have been made between The District and The Gateway, in that the South Jordan development will include a central shopping district about the same size as The Gateway, with a main street running through it and a fountain.

"Every trade area is different," Williams said. "You have to look at each and find out what their needs are. There are some areas (in which retail developments) are meeting the needs of the community. There are some areas that aren't."

Now, Horst said South Jordan is "playing catch-up," trying to implement a plan in which residents live, work and find entertainment within city limits.

"Our population has doubled every decade for the past three decades and is expected to do it again this decade," Horst said.

People are demanding goods and services closer to home, he said, and they have the resources to utilize them. Annual household income in South Jordan averages $85,000 to $90,000, which nears the average household income of Park City and other affluent areas, Horst said.

'Malls to alls'

In addition to population growth, Williams said some of the new building is in response to the "changing nature of retail."

"One of the things you're seeing all across the country is that people's desire to travel for shopping and dining is limited," Williams said. "Time is getting squeezed, and many retailers are finding that their customer base is getting tighter and tighter and tighter, geographically. People don't want to get in the car and drive 40 minutes to get someplace, so you're seeing many retailers trying to get closer to their customers."

In addition, Williams said, the development sector is seeing a shift "from malls to alls."

"Large developments that have a variety of retailers will continue to be popular, I believe, because people want a place where they can do all of their shopping in one spot," he said.

Shoppers want a Target, grocer, dry cleaner and clothier in close proximity, he said.

Or, in the case of The Terrace at Traverse Mountain, they want a destination attraction. The 150-acre project is expected to comprise about 1 million square feet — space enough for 120 to 150 stores, boutiques and restaurants, along with entertainment venues, pocket parks and open space for community events like concerts.