Franklin's development landscape is set for a major change with the planning commission's unanimous approval of Milwaukee County's first Costco store. The proposed retail behemoth would occupy an expansive 162,000-square-foot space on a currently vacant lot at 27th and Drexel, next to the Northwestern Mutual's Franklin campus, according to WISN. With features like a tire center and gas station, this decision not only signifies a significant shift in the area's retail offerings but a push for economic growth in the Franklin area.
Mayor John Nelson conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the project's potential, highlighting the possible boost in redevelopment for the city. "If this had not passed tonight, the project wouldn't be happening, so the fact that this passed now, we can start moving forward," Nelson told WISN. The sentiment around the approval suggested that the presence of Costco could serve as a catalyst for further revitalization efforts.
The process to bring Costco to Franklin included rezoning the 20-acre plot of land currently owned by Northwestern Mutual. At a Plan Commission meeting, the city made swift decisions to split the property into two parcels and rezone it, which were unanimously approved without any objection from public attendees, FOX6 News reported. This step, though pragmatic in nature, paves way for Costco's integration into the community's fabric.
Costco has a solid presence in Southeast Wisconsin, with five locations in towns such as New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, and Pewaukee, and a sixth already approved in Oconomowoc. The wholesale retailer has plans to open the Franklin store by the end of 2026 as part of their expansion strategy within the region. "This, in my opinion, is huge for the city, it is going to bring the redevelopment that we really need," Mayor Nelson emphasized in a statement obtained by WISN. As such, Franklin looks forward to a new chapter in its economic narrative with the arrival of Costco.
While the proposal has crossed a significant hurdle with the planning commission's approval, it ultimately awaits the green light from Franklin's Common Council. The impact of Costco's settlement in Franklin is yet to unfold, but it is widely anticipated to be a positive one, offering not just a local convenience but a draw for wider commerce and enterprise that could shape the area's destiny in the years to come, as reported by TMJ4.
