This $230 million project is slated to include 610 residential housing units, retail construction and a 635-space parking facility, which is scheduled to be completed in three phases.

And although the current economy could indicate a project of this magnitude would be difficult to accomplish, the project is forging ahead with only minor adjustments.

"Notwithstanding the economic times and the credit crunch," said Mayor John McKeon, "with some adjustment, the project is moving forward."

According to McKeon, the "adjustment" is that the project will move a bit slower. He said, instead of beginning with approximately 320 units, Phase One will include approximately 112 units. It is also slated to include the parking facility, the improved façade and the retail space.

"Nothing is being built in New Jersey right now," McKeon said. "In light of the way the project is moving, it is a real credit to the resiliency of the developer, notwithstanding the worst of market conditions and particularly the lack of available capital, that they're able to press forward on a little bit of a revised schedule."

Eugene R. Diaz, a principal of Prism Capital Partners, the developer for the project said, although the site looks barren right now, much of that is due to winter temperatures and there is a lot going on behind the scenes.

"You can't pour concrete in winter," Diaz said. "We're waiting for spring to pour the foundation"

But Diaz said the garage, which is precast at another location, is almost completed and will be stored until spring, when it can be erected on site.

Much has transpired on site as well, Diaz said, including demolition and site clearing, environmental remediation and interior demolition.

He also indicated that asbestos abatement was completed and any and all asbestos found on the site has been removed.

Diaz said half of the site was excavated between 4 and 5 feet - more than halfway to the 8 feet of depth which is needed.

In one area of the site, remnants of old concrete remain, which will eventually be recycled as base under the roadways, footings and foundations.

"We're very green," Diaz said.

The property has intrinsic historic value, as it was previously Thomas Edison's factory complex, which was constructed between 1909 and 1914.

In its heyday in the 1920s, the factory provided an estimated 800 employees with work manufacturing storage batteries used in light delivery vehicles, automobiles, railroad signals, industrial applications and mining equipment.

In 1965, those operations ceased. Through the years, since its closing, the factory complex had become known as the Thomas Edison Invention Factory and Commerce Center and several commercial businesses had been located there.

It is hoped the site, which is bordered by Ashland Avenue on the east, Charles Street on the south, Main Street on the west and Lakeside Avenue on the north, will bring a much-needed revitalization to the downtown area of the township.

According to Diaz, Phase One is expected to be completed at the end of this year or the first quarter of 2010.

"It is still roughly the same date within a month, one way or the other," he said.

For the most part, phases two and three will encompass the construction of more residential units.

The complete project build out is currently expected by the fall of 2013.

"We've been meeting for hours and hours to work with the credit market," McKeon said. "I'm very optimistic and excited. Notwithstanding where we are in the world, we're still on the move on West Orange's Main Street."