PORT ST. LUCIE – For many years, residents have consistently named Costco Wholesale as one of their top retail requests in Port St. Lucie — and now, that long-awaited wish is a step closer to becoming a reality.
Costco Wholesale Corporation plans to build a retail store in Southern Grove on a 22.8 /- acre site adjacent to the Costco Distribution Depot currently under construction. Located east of SW Village Parkway and south of the newly constructed SW Marshall Parkway, the new Costco retail location would include a 170,000-square-foot store and gas station.
On Monday, March 9, City leaders agreed to sell Costco the 22.8 /- acres for $6 million. Additional details, including the estimated start and completion dates of construction, will be forthcoming.
“Our residents have been asking for a Costco for years, and we heard them loud and clear,” said Mayor Shannon M. Martin. “Bringing this store to the community has been a priority and our team worked hard to make it happen. This is a win for our residents and our local economy and we’re excited to see Costco become part of our City’s future.”
The retail store announcement comes two years after Costco revealed it would build a 1.87-million square-foot cold and dry storage depot in Port St. Lucie. The depot facility will serve as a distribution center for the entire state of Florida, the first phase of which is expected to open in March.
While the retail store offers residents a long-sought shopping experience, Costco’s new facilities also bring jobs to the community. The distribution depot will employ approximately 500 people and a retail store would add to that total.
“This new store represents more than just a shopping destination, it’s an investment in our local economy, creating jobs and providing residents with convenient access to quality products and services,” said City Manager Jesus Merejo. “We look forward to the opportunities this will bring for families and businesses across our City.”