More than three and a half years after the DeFazio family announced ambitious plans to relocate and greatly expand its pizzeria and Italian specialty shop in Troy's Little Italy neighborhood to the 8,000-square-foot former Vanilla Bean bakery nearby, the project is in what patriarch Rocco DeFazio hopes is the final months of arranging financing.

Once funds are secured, which DeFazio expects will be complete in the coming months, construction will take eight to nine months, for a projected opening of August next year. Architectural plans are by Troy-based Neil Pelone, whose other restaurant work includes the former Taste in Albany and Central Steak in Colonie, the 60 State banquet facility in Albany and Tala Bistro in Latham.