By Marie Balice Ward

The West Central Association (WCA) at a recent community meeting approved building a Target store in the West Loop, provided the company employs local residents and gives extra attention to security.

Target’s plans for the store include a large grocery section offering fresh produce. The facility will occupy a site bounded by Jackson Boulevard on the south, Van Buren Street on the north, Aberdeen Street on the east, and an alley near Racine Avenue on the west.

According to Lynn Seermon, WCA president, the project will create tax revenue and generate construction and retail jobs. “We are supportive and excited about Target joining our community, although we remain concerned about security,” Seermon said. Laurie Mahowald, field representative for Target Corp., said Target bought the property June 30 and will begin construction in spring 2011, with the store opening in October 2012. “We are not seeking TIF financing, even though it is available for this property site,” she said.

Design architect Heather Sexton said Target has altered the store’s design based on attendees’ comments during a June town hall meeting held by Alderman Robert Fioretti of the 2nd Ward. The building will include a “green” roof, and Sexton said the company has set a goal to obtain LEED silver certification. A tower with a large Target logo will sit on Van Buren Street.

Both Fioretti and Alderman Walter Burnett (27th) gave Target considerable input on the design. The store’s 385 parking spaces will exceed the 330 required for a building of its size, according to City zoning regulations.

During that community meeting, many people brought up concerns about security. Andy Pierce of Fioretti’s office mentioned the entrance lobby and garage and emphasized the need for staffed vehicles to patrol the garage.

Another attendee, Patrick FitzGerald, pointed out the need for security on the street surrounding the proposed store. Jay Shah, who owns HydroAire on Madison Street, said security at the site should be “very tight.”

Responding to a question by Caroline Swinney, director of community relations for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Target regional manager Forrest Russell noted that “There will be parttime work available for UIC students.”

The store will employ about 250 people, with an approximately $2.5 million annual payroll and benefits program. “There will be job fairs held about three or four months in advance of the opening,” Russell said. While most employees will be area residents, Russell noted some top managers with previous experience may be transferred to the new Target from other stores and areas.

“There will be no restrictions to traffic on Jackson Boulevard during construction,” he stated in reply to a question from a representative of Bay Muffins, a local business. Russell explained about five to seven semi-trailers per week will deliver stock once the store opens.

Target Corp. holds three store openings per year, in March, July, and October. If the West Loop store misses the October 2012 opening, it likely will not open until the following March. The City still must approve construction before it can begin.