There are few stores and shopping centers, because unlike its sister cities to the north and south, Farmington collects people — and only people.

"It's like dinosaur land here," said Sandra Andersen. "I've lived here for 35 years and I've seen very little happen with (commercial) development."

But not any longer.

Farmington developer Rich Haws has other plans.

Since 1996, when the first rumblings about Legacy Highway were heard, Haws has been collecting parcels of land just west of I-15.

He has more than 100 acres tucked around the Park Lane interchange, where Legacy, I-15, Highway 89 and commuter rail converge.

And he plans to build.

Not a site developed around Wal-Mart, Costco and other big boxes — but a site centered around commuter rail and designed to fit with the "clean-cut," small-town feel of Farmington.

It will be called Station Park, and construction is expected to start within the coming months.

"This is a new horizon for us," said Haws, sitting in his Farmington office surrounded by maps of the proposed development. "It's exciting. It's a challenge. We would prefer not to do the 'same old, big-box, off-the-freeway' development here."

While larger stores like Target, Williams-Sonoma and the Pottery Barn may eventually be built at the site, Haws envisions a mix of housing, small retail, eclectic shops and high-class offices.

A movie theater, fitness center and hotel are also planned, along with an old-fashioned train depot that connects the site to the Farmington commuter rail station — one of nine planned along the Weber to Salt Lake County rail line.

Officials with the Utah Transit Authority consider Station Park to be a boon for commuter rail, as well as Farmington City.

"This is probably the biggest thing they've had happen with a single development in their history," said Steve Meyer, manager of commuter rail construction for UTA.

"If we can create a great destination place with this developer, it will be great. It's a win win. We gain ridership, they gain customers."

Every other week, Meyer travels to Farmington to meet with city officials and a representative from the Haws Companies, the development group Haws operates with his son, Michael. The group recently reviewed a blight study that indicates Station Park qualifies for redevelopment agency funds.

A blight hearing is planned for Feb. 23. It's critical that the Haws Companies receive approval for RDA money, says Michael Haws, because building can't begin until there is money for roads, sidewalks and rest rooms — all of which the RDA money would be used for.

City officials are confident the development will be built. Retailers have already expressed interest in the project, and the location is a strong draw for development, says City Manager Max Forbush.

"This project is still in its infancy," he said, "but we would hope that it would be the beginning of an economic development project. We would hope that it would strengthen our tax base."

Lagoon, which is southeast of the Station Park site, is considered Farmington's primary tax base.

Surrounding cities have a number of retailers and fast food chains that provide needed tax dollars. Centerville is planning a controversial Wal-Mart development, while Layton is home to Hill Air Force Base and the Layton Hills Mall.

Andersen, who lives near the Station Park site, said she would rather shop in Farmington than another city, including Salt Lake.

"It's really impressive," she said. "It looks to me like the only possibility that Farmington has, and come hell or high water, they're going to have to do something 'cause the train is coming over there."

Haws plans to have portions of the Station Park site built by late 2006, or early 2007 when the Weber to Salt Lake County commuter rail line is expected to be complete.