The Stirling Lafayette Shopping Center under construction at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10 will have a Target, a JC Penney store and a host of other retail and restaurant offerings, according to developer Lewis Stirling III. It is expected to open in early 2008.

It's been two years of work, Stirling said, and it would not have happened without state and local leaders committing to invest in the idea. He said the investment will pay off for the entire city.

"This is the beginning of something that's going to be much more than what you're seeing out here today," said city-parish president Joey Durel.

Gregg Gothreaux, CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, said the development will be an "anchor" to the city's northern end, one that can create a commercial corridor that stretches down Louisiana Avenue through Johnston Street to the the Mall of Acadiana.

"To take this empty space, unused for so many years and turn it into a revenue-generating and job-generating area is very exciting," Gothreaux said.

Gobb Williams of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce said the development has a chance not only to bring jobs to an area where they are needed but also to unite the city.

"The only way this city can thrive is by everyone working together and bridging the gap and making this a city of inclusion for everyone," he said.

The plan for the shopping center began after the $20 million Louisiana Avenue interchange was completed in fall 2003, Stirling said. That federal investment created a new entranceway to the city and land that was once hard to access became prime real estate.

The shopping center will be in the southwest quadrant of the interchange, but more development is sure to come to the area, Stirling said.

"We hope that by doing this side that it will bring development to all four corners," he said.

Local officials fought for a tax increment financing district so that money generated by businesses in the area will go toward building the infrastructure to support the complex.

Right now, there is no electricity even to light the roadway, Stirling noted, pointing to the unlit rows of street lamps lining Louisiana Avenue. There are no water or sewer lines yet built either.

"A private company really can't afford to bring all the public infrastructure to the area," Stirling said, calling the development "the poster child for a TIF district."

City leaders made two trips to the state bond commission with the developers to win approval for the TIF, Lafayette's first such district.

"It was truly public money for public work. We think that we're doing it the right way," Stirling said.

The retail area will be 480,000 square feet, according to Van Champagne, vice president of pre-construction for The Lemoine Company, contractor on the project.

There are tight deadlines for each phase of the project, he said. Target wants to start construction on its building May 1 and J.C. Penney hopes to begin construction Aug. 1.

Stirling said he is also talking to other retailers such as Ross, Office Depot, Lane Bryant and eatery chains such as Chick Fil-a.