ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Washington University is beginning its $80 million project to develop apartments and retail space in the Delmar Loop and one business owner could not be happier about it.

Joe Edwards owns Blueberry Hill and says the new development is the best thing to happen to the neighborhood in years.

“It will be wonderful for The Loop. For the pedestrians walking up and down the sidewalks there will be more shops to look at and shop in and it’s just one of those magical moments,” Edwards said.

Ultimately, there will be three apartment buildings and two buildings which will double as housing and retail. There is no word yet on what stores will fill those spaces. The plan would give housing to as many as 600 students, and add about 22,000 square feet of retail space. It is expected to be finished in about fourteen months.

“Not only do I see no negatives, it is one of the most positive developments for not just The Loop but for St. Louis because as a central corridor goes, so goes the future of St. Louis,” Edwards said.