By Teresa Herriman, The Courier-Herald

Target has announced its Bonney Lake store will open Oct. 10.

Construction of the 125,000-square-foot store began in earnest last week.

The Target and accompanying parking will encompass 10.48 acres of the 38-acre development sitting between state Route 410 and the Sumner-Buckley Highway.

Scott Corliss said Target purchased the land for the store from his company, T&S Properties LLC. The remainder of the property, which was once owned by Corliss' grandparents, will be developed by T&S Properties and leased to other retail outlets and restaurants.

Paul Garlock, project superintendent for Skanska USA Building Inc., said construction of the new Target store is on schedule.

"We will be substantially done with construction on or about July 19," Garlock said. That will allow time to stock the shelves and prepare for the October grand opening.

Target Corporation is a Minneapolis-based merchandise retailer operating Target, Marshall Field's and Mervyn's stores nationwide. The closest Target stores are in Puyallup, Federal Way and Kent.

Corliss said he is negotiating with two restaurants. One of the restaurants is said to be Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, although the company will not confirm the rumors.

He is still negotiating the land lease and hopes to make an announcement soon.

Applebee's Incorporated is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan. They operate casual dining franchises in 49 states including Washington.

Corliss said his firm is also talking to a destination hamburger chain and is in negotiation with a department store.

Most of the infrastructure is complete on the road that will connect state Route 410 to the Sumner-Buckley Highway through the development. Corliss said the road should be ready to pave in June or July.

Last month, the city of Bonney Lake purchased a 13-acre parcel near Fennel Creek for the new city hall.

Teresa Herriman can be reached at therriman@courierherald.com