Nordstrom's full-line department store slated to open in spring 2008 at Ala Moana Center will include a restaurant and espresso bar in addition to fashion apparel, shoes and accessories.

Executives with the Seattle-based retailer were joined yesterday by Hawai'i government officials and leaders of Ala Moana owner General Growth Properties to welcome the start of construction on the full-size store that Nordstrom has sought on O'ahu for more than 15 years.

"We've wanted to open a full-line store in Honolulu for a long time now, and we look forward to offering our customers a wide selection of shoes, apparel and accessories," said Pete Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom full-line stores.

Nordstrom has had a Hawai'i presence for 39 years. The company originally operated shoe departments in Liberty House stores until 1997, after which Nordstrom opened a stand-alone store at Ala Moana.

The company opened discount outlet Nordstrom Rack at Ward Centers in 2000, and in 2002 closed the Ala Moana store and opened a bigger shoe store at Ward.

"We are grateful to our loyal Island customers and employees who have been with us over the years," Pete Nordstrom said.

The 200,000-square-foot department store will occupy most of the block bordered by Kapi'olani Boulevard and Kona, Ke'eaumoku and Kaheka streets. Also to be built will be an 800-stall parking garage and 25,000 square feet of retail space along Kapi'olani. Another 45,000 square feet of shops will connect the existing mall on the third level to Nordstrom.

Up to 15 new stores are expected to be part of the Nordstrom expansion.

Nordstrom operates 155 stores in 27 states.