Midlothian's selection for the 1.35-million-sf center was publicized before the deal was finalized by the powers with the final say, says Todd Thompson, Oncor Group's economic development executive. "Anything could have happened," he explains. With the land closed, officials are breathing sighs of relief as the developer revs up to start next week on the site work. Delivery is planned for early 2004.

"The steel's on the ground," Thompson tells GlobeSt.com of the largest project in a year to come North Texas' way. He and others in the commercial real estate circuit confirm momentum has been steadily building throughout the second quarter, particularly on the industrial front. TXI/RailPort vice presidents Barry Bone and Daniel J. McAuliffe have a pipeline holding about 200,000 sf for two manufacturers, each talking for 50 to 60 acres, and some 500,000 sf in two bulk distribution deals, with each targeting 25-acre tracts. Land is bringing roughly $1 per sf.

Ellis County, says McAuliffe, "is a market that's coming into its own" as it competes against large-scale projects in nearby Dallas and Tarrant counties while drawing on its neighbors' labor pools as a marketing incentive. To stoke the demand, TXI/RailPort is working on an $8-million rail line for inside its boundaries to put access literally "at the back doors" of properties. About 20% of the industrial park has been built out. Still to come is an estimated $140 million in funding over the next five years for road construction in Midlothian and Northwest Ellis County, a surefire bait for even more industrial projects in the park.

The Ryan Co. of Minneapolis is Target's developer, architect and general contractor. Randy Danielson, Ryan's business development director, molded the Texas deal in talks with a cross-section of city and state entities. Bone and McAuliffe brokered the land sale while Target used in-house representatives for the closing.

Oncor Group is a regional ally that works closely with the Texas Department of Economic Development to stimulate growth. It is directly involved in 30% of the major deals closing in the state. Target's second Texas distribution center will bring an initial 500 jobs and another 250 at full capacity. McAuliffe credits the state economic development team, Oncor and the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce with spearheading the lobbying to deliver high-profile deals to the metroplex's doorstep.