SIGNS OF PROGRESS—Construction workers have been working nonstop at the northwest corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads to complete Simi’s long-awaited second Target store. The center’s grand opening is tentatively set for Oct. 10. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers Construction is moving along on the Target at the western end of Simi, and the new store’s grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Approved by the City Council in August 2008, work at the site at the northwest corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads finally got underway at the end of September. Since then, crews have demolished the former Kmart building and the smaller business spaces to the west—all except Leo’s Liquor & Deli, which has remained open during construction.

Weather permitting, the construction crews have been working nonstop, even weekends, to make sure the store meets its fall deadline.

“The rains out there have put a little setback (in the construction work), but we’re still on progress toward the October opening,” said Kyle Thompson, spokesperson for Target.

When completed, the corner—once considered blighted by city officials—will feature a 143,800-square-foot Target anchor store as well as 7,700 square feet of retail space to the west.

Original plans also included building 9,200 square feet of shops adjacent to the east side of the building, facing Madera Road. However, Target has put that portion of the project up for sale for another developer to build.

The new Target won’t be a Super Target with a full grocery and it won’t have a garden center, but it will include basic fresh produce, meat and bakery goods along with general merchandise.

—Carissa Marsh