Kernstown Commons is a project that has been in the works for some time now.

The center boasts a McDonald's and Outback Steakhouse, as well as a Country Inn & Suites.

Construction has begun on a phase that includes new grocery and home interior stores and a movie theater with a twist.

Phase II at the commercial development site in Frederick County will include ALDI, a value oriented store that offers deals for price conscious consumers.

"That's gonna be great for this area, here in Kernstown. We don't have a lot of grocery store offerings right here in this exit, or close by," says Lisa Limoges, Director of Operations for both Orange Partners and NL Entertainment.

Three different buildings will house 81-thousand square feet of retail space that will be available for lease. The group wants to add more restaurants and diverse retail stores for the area.

"It's a great central location for the region, and there are some offerings, certainly, but it's only growing and expanding, and we just feel this is the right place to be at the right time," says Limoges.

The plot of land will also house Alamo Draft Cinemas, a movie theater with ten movie screens playing the newest releases. It combines the restaurant and movie experience, and will open in the spring of next year.

"It is exciting. It's fun. It's a twist, and I think it's the future of movie theaters," says Limoges.

What do locals think of this innovative business?

"It's something different, because normally you go to the restaurant, then you gotta get up and waste your gas going to the theater, wait in line for tickets, so this is all in one fell swoop," says Gore resident Steve Braithwaite.

"I really think it would be really cool if they would bring back some things that were really really special. Maybe some movies that we've lost track of that were family movies, wholesome movies. I think people are looking for something they can take their family to," says Winchester resident Sally Dick.

"That could easily be a real draw, if they make it a good family place," added her daughter, Christine Dick.

Will the development be received well, during a slumping economy, coupled with some people wanting to preserve local land?

"Some of the younger ones are going to be, great, great, you know, we don't have to drive to the city for this and for that. Some of the older ones, you know, it's like, no this is too much, they're chopping up everything, but it has its good points," says Braithwaite.

Limoges says their group is taking the challenging economy into consideration during development, and want to bring in services that are a necessity right now. They say being responsible and reasonable in the process are important, and their goal is to put in businesses that people in the area need.