Construction work begins in earnest this week at Banana Coast in Trujillo, Honduras, a $20 million Caribbean cruise destination. A two-ship cruise dock and themed retail shopping village are under development and slated for completion in late 2012.

The initial work is focused on preparing the 10-acre beachfront site. A seawall is being constructed along the perimeter, the site is being elevated to 6.5 feet above sea level and civil infrastructure, including water, electrical and sewer lines, is being installed. By December, vertical construction of the 50,000-square-foot oceanfront shopping center and transportation hub is expected to be under way.

“With its colorful history and setting, Trujillo provides wonderful opportunities for both architecture and landscaping,” said Doug Kulig, CEO of OBM International, the project’s architectural and design firm.

The project, led by Grande Trujillo Autoridad -- a partnership between the Municipality of Trujillo, local landowners led by Life Vision Properties and Miami-based Global Destinations Development -- is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.

“We are excited to reach this milestone in the development of our new port,” said Trujillo’s Mayor Jose Lianez. “The municipality and other constituents have made major improvements to our colonial city’s visitor facilities in anticipation of receiving cruise guests.”

OBM International also designed Royal Caribbean International’s private island, CocoCay, and Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center.