OAK CREEK, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The new IKEA store in Oak Creek hits a milestone as construction crews begin putting up the store's signature blue panels.

IKEA officials say the blue panels are the beginning phase of enclosing the building, something they want done before winter.

"We need the shells, the walls up, the foundation, then ultimately we install the racking and the wall settings and all those key commercial elements that are most familiar to our customers as we become an IKEA store," said IKEA Manager of Public Affairs Joseph Roth.

The store is being built on 29 acres at I-94 and Drexel Road.

IKEA is expected to open next summer. Check out the attached slideshow of pictures to see how the stores is coming along!