The remaining residences of the subdivision will be built in two phases. NT Home Builders and the University of Missouri are finalizing a sale of about 87 acres for the remainder of the project, said Christian Basi, a spokesman for the university.

The scope of the planned subdivision has changed over time in the face of opposition from environmentalists. NT Home Builders reduced the number of planned dwellings from more than 400 residences, set aside a little more than 47 acres for a publicly managed park, and added conservation requirements that include a ban on pesticides.

The plan also has received a number of exceptions to county ordinances, including narrower roads and development on steeper slopes than usually allowed.

All of those factors, in addition to a lack of sewer and electrical infrastructure, could have played into the sales agreement because it makes development costs higher, said Dee Bax, owner of Dutchman Realty in St. Peters.