After two delays, the Trader Joe’s is going up quickly in Patton Township. The skeleton of the building that will house the specialty grocery store is taking shape at 1855 N. Atherton St., as construction crews take advantage of the mild weather to catch up on previous delays.

Local fans of Trader Joe’s have said they’re looking forward to the chain’s variety of gourmet food items at discounted prices.

Trader Joe’s spokeswoman Alison Mochizuki said on Thursday she could not provide a prospective opening date. Earlier press releases had estimated an opening for September 2011, then by the end of 2011. Construction finally began in late December, when a layer of asphalt was put down.