Now, however, about a half dozen small to midsize retailprojects are being developed in the area, joining a larger one thatopened last year. That project, Park Place, a 134,000-sf shoppingcenter, was opened by Cary, NC-based Konover Property Trust, toserve Morrisville, Cary and other nearby towns.

Among other retail projects being developed are the 155,000-sfVillage Market Place and Davis Commons, a 250,000-sf center thatcould be looking to lure big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart. Othersmall centers are being planned as part of mixed-use developmentsnear NC 54.

Park Place was a joint venture with ARC Development. "It was oneof the first developments in the Morrisville area," Liz Dion,director of corporate marketing with Konover, tells GlobeSt.com."We are leased up except for two contiguous spaces of 1,000 sf eachthat are being held for a restaurant." Dion says Park Place hasabout 17 tenants.