The much-anticipated successor to a beloved Suffolk spot in Bennett’s Creek is making progress on its fall debut.

Developers and restaurateurs Brian and Teresa Mullins have been working on an $8 million project at the former site of Bennett’s Creek Marina and Restaurant on Ferry Road. The eight acres of property are now part of a vision that includes the Decoys Restaurant and Blind Dog tiki bar, the Bennett’s Creek Marina, and the Landings at Bennett’s Creek residences.

“I’ve got three or four people a day asking about how that project is advancing,” Director of Operations Ken Dodds said.

A bulkhead that will raise the restaurant 3 ½ feet above the creek’s high water mark is expected to be finished next week, and the swimming pool between the restaurant and tiki bar has been installed, according to Brian Mullins.

Dodds said the project is still set to be finished by mid-October.

“The roads, infrastructure and the construction of the homes will be completed,” Dodds said.

Ferry Road off of Knotts Creek lane will be expanded from 12 feet wide to 20 feet to better accommodate traffic to the site.

“The road is going to be improved tremendously,” Brian Mullins said.

The 22 condo-style residences at Landings will have alley access to the one- or two-car garages from Ferry Road. Only people ages 55 or older will be considered, and the dues, covenants and restrictions for the residences are still in the works.

But it’s those dues that will pay for full lawn services and other exterior work for the residences, giving the residents a break from outdoor chores.

“That was important to us, to always look the best it can, if taken care of by the same people,” Teresa Mullins said.

Another environmental amenity for the site is the use of flex material on the waterside of the creek. This material is cleaner while allowing for space for plants and vegetation to grow.

“It’s going to make it much more aesthetically pleasing,” Teresa Mullins said. “It’s a much more economical and environmentally friendly way of doing this.”

The Mullinses constantly tweaked the overall theme for the buildings since they began construction. The Waterman’s aesthetic they are now using is meant to be unimposing and sound with its environment.

“The look blends into its environment versus being the statement,” Brian Mullins said. “It tries to become one with the environment it’s in.”

People are expected to come to the Decoys restaurant and Blind Dog tiki bar by both land and sea. About 54 slips will be available upon completion, and slip owners will be able to charge purchases both on-site and at locations in North Suffolk to their slip as a “running-tab.”

“It’s a tourist attraction for the city,” Teresa Mullins said.

No matter how people arrive, Brian Mullins is certain that they will enjoy the wide range of amenities available, one of which will be the beautiful scenery on display past the expansive windows of Decoys.

“There is not going to be a bad view from this restaurant at all,” he said.