STERLING – In what could be another sign the local economy might be on the upswing, officials said Wednesday that Menards has begun building its long-awaited superstore  – even though it has not yet sold its current building.

The new Menards is slated to open in spring 2011 just east of its current site at 3800 E. Lincolnway, said Theron Berg, the hardware chain's real estate manager.

That's nearly 4 years after the announcement in October 2007 that Menards would anchor the new Sterling Commons Shopping Center.

Plans then called for some stores to be built and occupied by fall 2008, but construction stalled when the recession set in.

Now a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant is slated to open June 20.

All About Eyes, a full-service optical company, will open in the same building on the 36-acre, 15- to 18-store site being built by Rockford-based developer First Rockford.

Pankaj Mahajan, First Rockford's retail development director, also said Wednesday that the Menards project is a go.

"They're moving forward with their building," Mahajan said.

Menards has 145,000 square feet at its current location; it will have 240,000 square feet at its new site. Every department will be expanded, and a garden center will be added, company officials have said.

Right now, the store employs 150 to 200 people, depending on the season. It is anticipated that more will be needed at the new store, although just how many has not been specified.