What once were huge sand dunes at the intersection of Jefferson Street and County Club Drive are being replaced with new streets and eventually 350,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and commercial space.

A groundbreaking for the Northgate Crossing project was held in March, and city officials say infrastructure improvements for the project are expected to be completed before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The first project to start construction will be an ARCO gas station with a car wash at the southwest corner of Jefferson Street and the newly realigned Avenue 42. A McDonald's will follow.

The remainder of the project will be phased in during the next two years, city officials said.

In addition to the retail and commercial component, the project is also expected to include 247 multi-family units, 118 single-family residences and a 100-room hotel.

The project is being developed by TM Realty Investment Inc.

Xochitl Peña