City officials want shovels in the ground for the project as soon as possible, but Ascent President Brad Knowlten admitted that tightened financial markets and a slow retail sector could delay the development.

But the clock is ticking on the tax-increment funding option, which expires in 11 years.

The international marketplace is expected to include representation from Latino, Asian, Pacific-Islander, African-American and American Indian cultures. No leases have been signed — or offered — but project marketer and recruiter Katherine Quinlan said it will ultimately be like an indoor farmers market with retail space at various size and price levels.

"Usually, those smaller independently owned boutique retailers are looking to be clustered together with other like businesses," Quinlan said.

The project could also include housing, office space and recreational access to the Jordan River.

For more information, visit www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?nid=735.

E-MAIL: rpalmer@desnews.com