The long-awaited Hilton Garden Inn development in the 600 block of W. Broad St. in downtown Falls Church took a big step forward, according to the latest report from the City’s Economic Development Office. The settlement on the sale of the property has occurred, the last step required before construction can now begin. A groundbreaking could occur this summer, the report says.

In other Falls Church economic development news in the report, three new retailers have signed leases for space at The Spectrum on the plaza where Mad Fox is. They are Beaddazzled, Moby Dick’s House of Kabobs and Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt. All are expected to be open for business by the end of the summer. Another new retailer, Space Bar, is now open at 709 W. Broad, site of the former Stacy’s Coffee, with seating for 50 and a 28-foot bar. Live music and a predominantly vegetarian menu are featured. At the site of the old Bangkok Blues at 928 W. Broad, two businesses, Brits on Broad (gifts and hair stylist) and Windy Apple Restaurant has occupancy permits to open soon. At Pearson Square on S. Maple Ave., Body Dynamics occupying 9,711 square feet, is slated to open by Labor Day.

Construction is underway at five locations in the City, 101 E. Annandale Road (a two-story office/retail building to replace the one that burned down), Northgate at 472 N. Washington slated for completion by July 2013, the BB&T Bank at the site of the former Chicken Out, almost completed, the 917 W. Broad two-story office/retail building on the site of the former El Zunzal, and the 24 Hour Fitness building on the site of the former Symms at 1000 E. Broad St.