OZARK, MO - People in this Christian County community are watching the first store in a new development take shape.

Construction on the Aldi in Ozark Marketplace is coming along, with contractors installing the steel framework in recent days. It will be the retailer's fifth store in the Springfield metro.

The new district, located off U.S. 65 and South Street, will also include McDonald's, Plaza Tire, Casey's, and Dutch Bros. Coffee. The 40-acre plot is east of US 65, across from Walmart and Lowe's.

Plans call for intersection upgrades with traffic signals at the main entrance off 19th Street.

City leaders previously told Ozarks First that the first phase of businesses could open by the end of this year. A second phase could be ready by 2027, and a third by 2029.

Local leaders say tha

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