Report: Deal reached on Ballpark Village

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A published report says a deal has been reached for Ballpark Village near Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

The St. Louis Business Journal says details are expected to be announced early next week.

The Cardinals said through a spokesman late Friday that progress has been made, and that they are optimistic an agreement soon will be reached. They declined to comment until then.

The Business Journal says preliminary work for the $650 million development is expected to begin later this summer. Construction will not be completed by next year's All-Star game in St. Louis.

Ballpark Village is expected to include a mix of offices, retail and entertainment in the space where the old Busch Stadium sat. The lack of progress on the project has been a concern for many civic leaders.