BROOKINGS It isnt quite Christmas yet, but Brookings just received an early present in the form of a new Target store coming to the city at the Brookings Marketplace development.
The news of the 127,000 square-foot store, which will be the developments anchor tenant, broke Monday afternoon following final signatures and a filing at the Brookings County Register of Deeds Office. The other announced store at the development is national grocer Aldi, with two smaller stores expected to fill the 18.53-acre site north of Sixth Street just east of its interchange with Interstate 29.
I am extremely proud and excited to make this announcement, Brookings Mayor Oepke Ope Niemeyer said in a news release. Brookings has been working to bring Target here for several years.Patience and collaboration by (City) Council, city leadership and Ryan Companies has prevailed.Im looking forward to celebrating the groundbreaking in 2025.
Ryan Companies, based out of Minneapolis, is the developer behind the Brookings Marketplace. Its efforts were the latest in years-long attempts to turn the former South Dakota Department of Transportation land into something economically viable and now its finally paying dividends.
City Manager Paul Briseno, when contacted by the Brookings Register, said Target has been attracted to the city for a variety of reasons.
They identified us as a place they want to build so we didnt reach out to them, he said. Theyve been studying us. They identified us because everything that we have here in Brookings including the quality of life, the economy and the potential for sales here in Brookings and the area as well.
Briseno added, Really, its nothing that were doing to court them, though were happy to be partners with them in this endeavor and were really excited for them to come to Brookings.
Targets popularity is well-known in Brookings. Since 2013, it has been the top retailer requested by respondents to a survey by the Brookings Economic Development Corp. In 2024 and in 2019, the top three choices, in order, have been Target, Aldi and Kohls.
Our community members have been asking for diverse shopping options and national-brand retail opportunities, and the City Council and staff are proud to be delivering on that request, Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell said in the release. I know residents from Brookings and neighboring communities will be excited when they no longer have to drive nearly an hour to shop at two of their favorite retailers. Shoppers will benefit, and the city of Brookings will benefit because we will reduce the retail leakage that occurs when people leave town to shop.
According to Targets website, the Minneapolis-based company currently has nearly 2,000 stores across the United States. About 30 are near college campuses. As for Aldi, its website indicates it has more than 2,000 grocery stores in 36 states.
The two-year development of the Brookings Marketplace will have an immediate economic benefit to the tune of an estimated $80.9 million, with part of that coming in the form of 311 construction-related jobs each year. Long-term, 148 jobs will be created, according to the city. Altogether, it means additional sales revenue for Brookings, funds that go toward supporting public safety, public works and parks and recreation.
In the release, Niemeyer and Wendell agreed that development of the Brookings Marketplace reflects the citys ongoing commitment to economic development.
The Marketplace development is a testament to Brookings vitality, and I expect it will attract more businesses to our community, Wendell said. I also have no doubt it will benefit existing businesses as it attracts more shoppers to town. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Niemeyer called the Marketplace development a once-in-a-generation project.
The Brookings Marketplace development project represents an investment in the Brookings community, and it has the potential to bring significant economic, social and quality of life enhancements, he said.
When asked about a construction timeline, Briseno said multiple factors come into play, including, unsurprisingly, South Dakotas weather and seasonal changes.
What we anticipate is sometime in 2026, but (Target) really (hasnt) given official word when they plan on opening, with construction season being so difficult here in South Dakota, he said. What we do know is that Ryan Companies plans on starting the site next spring as soon as the ground thaws out.
In closing, Brisenosaid in the release that the city will continue to work closely with Ryan Companies and the Marketplace tenants to ensure a strong community partnership.
Brookings is open for business, and we look forward to continuing to be the choice for businesses of all kinds to expand to, he said.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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