Dirt is moving and Deerbrook Marketplace is going up.

"Before now there was nothing here. So, it will add a lot of good uses for this area and will continue to fill up I think," said Brad Thessing, the commercial broker for the project. Thessing is also working on the much-anticipated Glenstone Marketplace in Springfield that's set to include a Lucky's Market and HomeGoods.

Located just off U.S. 65 and Route CC, Deerbrook Marketplace is a big thing for Ozark. Starting out, a new McDonald's, a Zaxby's, and a Kum & Go Fresh Market have signed on as the initial tenants.

"When you are heading south, this is the gateway into the city of Ozark," explained Steve Childers, Ozark City Administrator. "Really, this is going to be one of those developments that attract anybody and everybody."

Childers explained another developer had plans for the property year ago, but then the recession put a stop to that. Finally, with an improving economy and upgrades to Highway 65 and Route CC, it was decided now is the time to build. In particular, Childers said says the construction of the diverging diamond interchange has been a big help.

'They have made the transportation flow and congestion so much better at this location."

The outer road (21st St.) is being rerouted to connect with 22nd St. at Route CC. A new stoplight at the redesigned intersection will help handle the traffic in and out of the development.

Thessing said, "We have roughly 20 acres so we envision probably a hotel use, maybe some more retail, and trying to talk to a couple grocers."

"Childers said, "I think the enter city of Ozark is excited about this- certainly the folks that are on the north side, and also south Springfield."

With 55,000 cars zooming by each day on 65, and a 10,000-member church across the way (James River Church), there will be no shortage of people or potential customers for the new businesses.

"We feel like we will get a lot of traffic going to Branson and that side of the highway including Lambert's and tourists," Thessing said.

The city worked with the developers on incentives, including a property tax abatement. Thessing explained a deal was reached with the school district, whereas an incremental amount of property taxes will start to go toward the schools after the first five years. Also, the project is part of a special taxing district. If you buy anything at the businesses there, you'll pay a one cent extra sales tax toward infrastructure.

"I really think this is a great spark to cause more development up and down CC," Childers said.

Thessing explained dirt work will be completed this spring, and construction on the businesses will start soon after. The McDonald's, Zaxby's, and Kum & Go are expected to be completed and open sometime in the summer or fall.