NORMAL - Work started on a new theater Thursday at the Constitution Trail Centre in north Normal, but questions remained over whether necessary road improvements would be done in time for the center's anchor tenant to open this fall.

In addition, Starbucks and Smoothie King have committed to open at the 76-acre development on Raab Road and Main Street, project manager DKC Ventures announced.

Dallas-based Starplex Cinemas turned dirt on the 14-screen theater at the north end of the development, on School Street. The 44,679-square-foot theater with stadium seating should open in May, said Steve Holmes, Starplex chief executive officer.

Developers of the project, meanwhile, expect Starplex to attract new tenants. DKC still has around 15,000 square feet available in strip malls already planned for construction and is targeting storefronts and service-based businesses like insurance agencies or real estate, said Darren Hicks, a principal with DKC.

An additional 12.5 acres is available for two large anchors or multi-tenant strip malls just south of the theater, Hicks added.

"We still have a few pads left for some nice restaurants (too)," he said. "The theater will help lock some of this down."

The main anchor, Schnucks Marketplace, is on schedule to open Sept. 11, but the town of Normal requires DKC to complete several road improvements before receiving an occupancy permit.

The improvement will maintain safety and improve access, said Normal City Manager Mark Peterson.

Normal will allow Schnucks only to open if DKC installs temporary signals and temporary lane stripes before all roadwork is complete, Peterson said.

DKC still must submit plans, he said.

Hicks said roadwork shouldn't delay Schnuck's planned opening.

Several turn lanes will be added to Raab, the Main Street turn radius onto Raab will widened and Bradford Lane will be extended to the north side of Raab and will become the main entrance into the center.

On board

Shops and restaurants that have committed to the Constitution Trail Centre:

AmericInn Hotel

American General Finance

Applebee's restaurant

Barbeck Communications

Dollar Tree

Great Clips

McAlister's Deli

Moe's Southwest Grill

Planet Beach Tanning Spa

Rosati's Pizza

Schnucks Marketplace

Smoothie King

Starbucks

Starplex Cinemas

Super Gyro's

Subway

U.S. Cellular