SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The ribbon has been cut on a brand new Target store in South Park.
The grand opening comes after months of resistance from residents who feared it would damage the character of the neighborhood.
The new Target store was a year in the making, and to celebrate, Target's own bullseye made an appearance.
While some residents in the area are excited about the new addition to South Park, it was not an easy road to open the new store.
Store manager Robert Farrington could not wait to show off the newest Target store.
"South Park is one of the biggest craft beer areas of San Diego, so it's great to have this for the area. We've been working on this store for over a year now," said Farrington.
The new Target store opened Wednesday morning to a line of people waiting outside.
The store is 18,000 square-feet. It is small enough to be considered an express, but just big enough, according to Farrington, to supply the products residents need.
"The goal with our South Park Target is to have a localized concept. To serve our community and our neighborhood here," said Farrington.
Many in the neighborhood welcome the change. Others, are not so sure.
"It's friendly here. You know, when you walk by, the store owner comes out and greets you, and you lose a lot of that," said Jonathan Jones, who is against the new Target.
When Target first announced its plans to replace the old Gala Foods, the company was met with opposition.
Some are worried a big box store will take away from the mom and pop shops, and rid South Park of its small neighborhood feel.
Farrington said Target took the criticism to heart, and it shows in the store's design.
Aside from having the essentials, Target officials said they wanted this location to really reflect the neighborhood, which is why they have a mural painted in the back of the store.
"It has the original trolley car that used to run on 30th street, as well as several pieces from the South Park community that are mirrored on our wall," said Farrington.
The new Target store features concrete floors, exposed beams and the original architecture, elements not found in most Target stores.