Driving on either side of the Towaco train station, it's hard to miss the large building starting to take shape next door.

That building is the Towaco Crossing development that broke ground last spring. Included in the project is 1,200 feet of space for six retail businesses and six residential units and the development's centerpiece, an 18,000-foot restaurant called Rails Steakhouse.

April's groundbreaking was an important day for many elected officials as the development is planned to become a "destination" in Montville. The project, even currently in its construction phase and continuing after the establishments are open, is expected to bring dozens of jobs to the local area. Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce said projects like Towaco Crossing are important in helping restore the state's economy.

"Vibrant and sustainable small businesses are a critical element for our economic recovery here in New Jersey," she said.

Construction has continued to move along since April, with plans to get the stores up and running shortly after the buildings are complete.

"We are still hoping to complete the construction by November 2013," Maryann Bagan, spokeswoman for Towaco Crossing, said. "We will be pricing and marketing the village shops next month and the residences in the spring."

In the meantime, the managers of Rails are hoping to drum up interest in in the "coming soon" restaurant by sharing renderings and videos (see embeded video attached to this article) and by asking patrons for input. As part of that input, the restaurant has invited potential customers to participate in an online survey answering what menu items they would like to see.

Rails will be an upscale eatery inspired by Colorado's Glenwood Hot Springs and designed to embody the essence of American west railroad hotels.