DeKALB | Shoppers eagerly awaiting the completion of Sycamore Crossings shopping center may be tapping their feet for some time.

It will take another five years for the facility to be operable and used for shopping, Sycamore City Manager Bill Nicklas said Monday.

“There’s almost 500,000 sq. ft. that could be filled, an area that is 80 acres,” Nicklas said. “To have the stores all open and occupied will take five to seven years.”

Nicklas said having a larger anchor store commit to the project would drive the build-up process along faster than anticipated.

“It could go quicker than we hoped,” he said. “Stores will come more rapidly if there’s a larger name to attract customers.”

Nicklas said there has been interest from some larger chain stores, but none have made a definite commitment.

Phase one of construction, which began in June, includes building 92 private-home duplexes that will be constructed next to the center.

Each duplex will be a spacious 1500 to 2200 sq. ft. and will be owned by Gambino Development until sold.

Completion of the duplexes is slated for mid-2007, and prospective buyers are already in discussions with First Rockford Group, said Jeff Maresh, First Rockford’s retail development manager.

Apart from the anchors, Maresh envisions approximately 25 to 30 shops when the center is completed, although the completion is “a function of leasing and tenant interest” as much as physically building the center.

The location of Peace Road and Ill. Route 23 was chosen for a specific reason, Nicklas said.

“It is the fastest growing intersection in Sycamore, and a prime location for a shopping center,” he said.

Because they are adding a shopping center to the corner of any already busy intersection, there are plans for two more light signals on Peace Rd. to help dispel the problem, Nicklas said.