Downtown Target to open in 2012

The retail giant's 7+Fig location will have 100,000 square feet, which is smaller than a typical Target but roughly twice the size of the downtown Ralphs. The emphasis will be on food and household basics - stuff that's sometimes hard to find downtown. It's a big deal for boosters who have been frustrated at not being able to attract big-box retailers, in spite of the area's rejuvenation. From the LAT:

The news was welcomed by downtown residents. Christine Baisez, 41, moved to downtown seven years ago because she liked the big-city feel, the growing art scene and the easily walkable neighborhood. But she grew frustrated at having to leave downtown to go grocery shopping and buy household staples for her loft. "We don't have anything. It's terrible -- I have to drive to Silver Lake or South Pasadena," she said. Target "is a must."