Signs of construction on Southeast Fresno shopping center

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- There are now seeing our first signs of construction on a long-awaited retail center in Southeast Fresno. A large crane has been moving concrete slabs into place this week. The first building going up at the Fancher Creek Town Center will be a two-story parking structure. The areas residents have heard rumors about this project for well over a decade, but now crews are on the job.

"I think it's super. We need something. You have to catch the freeway and go up north to get to anything," said Diana Williams, Fresno.

The center, which spans 92 acres, will feature retail shops and possibly a movie theater and restaurants.

"Great restaurants would be nice. Not your fast food restaurants-- good sit-down restaurants," said Williams.

The same developer which built Campus Pointe and River Park, Lance Kashian, and company, is now working on the Fancher Creek Town Center along with the Penstar Group. Fresno City Council Member Sal Quintero said senior housing and apartment living are also part of the plan.

"It's going to be work, live, play, and shop. I really feel it's going to explode simply because now you have the freeway 180 there."

As a result, Quintero said the center will benefit much more than just Southeast Fresno.

"It's going to bring us in the shoppers from Sanger, Selma, Parlier. The rural areas won't have to travel as far."

Infrastructure work is well underway on the water and sewer pipe system. The first buildings are expected to be completed within two years.