The Country Fair White Elephant, Green Valley’s most popular thrift store, unveiled its 17,200-square-foot building Wednesday after months of construction that isn’t quite finished yet.

More than 480 patrons, many from as far away as Nogales, Sonora, stood in line for more than an hour waiting for the doors to open at 9 a.m. After the official ribbon cutting and a few words from Country Fair White Elephant President Jay St. John, the shopping began.

Each year proceeds from the sale of donated goods to the thrift store are given back to the community. A large number of non-profits, schools, and other organizations in Santa Cruz County are also awarded checks from the store, including St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic, the Amado Food Bank, Santa Cruz Training Programs for the mentally and physically handicapped, as well as Santa Cruz County schools.

The new locale south of the existing facility doubles the size of the thrift store. The $1.85 million project promises a roomier shopping area and about 250 parking spaces when the project is done in December.

“The new building also has public restrooms, something the shoppers really wanted,” said Jim Fitzsimmons, CFWE facility manager. “That was a big issue, so in planning the new store, they were a must.”

“Real” changing rooms were also requested.

“We’ll have four new changing rooms that will also be staffed,” said Karen Morales, general manager of the thrift store. “This is a real step up and we realize the shoppers will appreciate it.”

Fitzsimmons and Morales agreed that the spaciousness of the new store is the biggest bonus.

“It will feel so open and inviting,” Morales said. “We know the shoppers will really love it.”

Construction, which began in March, will continue through mid-December. The existing building is being remodeled for store work space behind the scenes. The north end of that facility is closed starting Monday with no access to the public.

The store’s popular patio area, which will now be housed indoors, is still under construction, too, and won’t be completed until mid-December.

Until the project is complete, and during the final phase of construction, donations will be accepted at the new dock doors on the east side of building.

White Elephant management suggests that donations be dropped off between noon and 3 p.m., to avoid congestion during regular shopping hours, which are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until noon.