The long-awaited Costco in Stuart, Florida, is set to open its doors on April 25, 2025. It will bring a new retail and residential hub to Stuart, and plans have been met with mixed reviews among locals. Located on a sprawling 49-acre development along Kanner Highway, just south of Martin County High School, this project represents a significant milestone, good or bad, for the region.
Costco Development: What it Includes
The centerpiece of the groundbreaking project is the 156,438-square-foot Costco Wholesale store, complete with an 18-pump gas station. Beyond retail, the site will also offer the following:
- Two restaurants
- 378 upscale apartment units, housed in a gated community with a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse
- 1,725 parking spaces
- A new public road connecting Kanner Highway and Willoughby Boulevard
The project is spearheaded by M&M Realty Partners, which has not disclosed the total cost of the development.
A Decade-Long Journey
Costco’s journey to Martin County was not without hurdles. Initial plans for a Palm City location were scrapped in 2017 after intense public scrutiny. Eventually, large players like Tractor Supply and Wawa eventually made their way into nearby parcels.
A subsequent push in Stuart gained approval from the City Commission in August 2021 but faced nearly two years of legal challenges. Local resident Robin Cartwright’s appeals against the land-use designation delayed progress, but the state Division of Administrative Hearings ultimately ruled in favor of the development in March 2023.
To many, the construction of the Costco in Stuart represents more than just retail expansion. The new public road, entirely funded by the developers, aims to improve traffic flow, while enhanced lake systems and native vegetation underscore the project’s environmental considerations.
Local Concerns about Costco in Stuart
Traffic Management
One common concern is the potential for traffic congestion, particularly near Martin County High School. Costco’s operating hours, starting at 10 a.m., aim to avoid peak school traffic times. Additionally, the new road and a planned traffic signal at Kanner Highway are expected to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. This is cold comfort to many who have experienced the traffic nightmare that can sometimes be experienced on Kanner Highway. Time will tell if the steps taken are enough to quell concerns.
Apartment Quality
The 378 apartments are designed to be upscale and cater to residents looking for high-quality living spaces. These units are hoping to address a housing gap in Martin County, which saw no multifamily developments from 2008 to 2018. That said, there have been thousands of new apartment units popping up in recent years. Locals are not sold on whether these apartments will truly fill the gap.
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Hiring Local Workers
Costco prioritizes hiring locally, both during construction and for retail operations. While the company works with general contractors experienced in its store designs, these contractors often engage local subcontractors. Upon opening, Costco will actively recruit from the Stuart area.
One positive is that Costco is renowned for its employee-centric policies. Full-time and part-time employees receive robust benefits, including healthcare, paid time off, and retirement plans. More Treasure Coast residents can look forward to this with the Costco distribution center in Port St. Lucie. With a 93% employee retention rate, Costco has been named one of the best places to work by Indeed.com, thanks to its focus on ethics, promotion from within, and community investment.
Economic Impact
Costco brings more than convenience—it stimulates the local economy. By hiring local workers and sourcing from regional suppliers, Costco ensures its presence benefits the community. Moreover, the store’s wholesale model supports local businesses by offering bulk purchasing options at competitive prices.
Is Costco’s opening going to negatively affect small businesses in the area? This is also to be determined. There isn’t a detailed analysis of how much of the store’s offerings are found locally outside of farmer’s markets or larger-chain grocery stores.
Environmental Considerations
Developers tried to take steps to address concerns from nearby operations like the Lychee Tree Farm, and relocating Costco within the parcel to prevent shading the nursery. They also expanded lake systems for better hydrological functionality and included more native flora in the site’s design.
FAQs
When will the Stuart Costco open?
The Stuart Costco is set to open on April 25, 2025.
Where is the Stuart Costco located?
The store is located on a 49-acre development along Kanner Highway, just south of Martin County High School.
What will the development include?
The project features:
- A 156,438-square-foot Costco Wholesale store
- An 18-pump gas station
- Two restaurants
- 378 upscale apartments with a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse
- 1,725 parking spaces
- A new public road connecting Kanner Highway and Willoughby Boulevard
How will traffic be managed around the new Costco?
Costco opens at 10 a.m., avoiding peak school traffic hours. A new road and a traffic signal at Kanner Highway are also being added to improve traffic flow and safety.
What type of apartments will be included in the development?
The apartments will be gated, upscale units with one- to three-bedroom options and a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse.
Why are apartments being built as part of the development?
The apartments address a housing gap in Martin County, offering living options for residents not ready to buy a home.
Will Costco hire local workers?
Yes, Costco prioritizes hiring locally for both construction and retail positions. Local subcontractors will be used for construction, and the company actively recruits from the surrounding area.
Does Costco offer benefits to its employees?
Yes, Costco provides comprehensive benefits to both full-time and part-time employees, including healthcare, paid time off, retirement plans, and other perks like free executive memberships.
How has the project addressed environmental concerns?
The developers:
- Relocated Costco on the parcel to prevent shading impacts on nearby businesses like the Lychee Tree Farm.
- Expanded lake systems to enhance hydrological functionality and beautification.
- Incorporated native vegetation into the site design.
What was the legal history behind this project?
The Stuart Costco faced nearly two years of legal challenges from a local resident but ultimately received approvals from both the state Division of Administrative Hearings and the state Administration Commission in 2023.
Why did earlier plans for a Costco in Martin County fail?
Previous plans for a Palm City location were withdrawn in 2017 after public scrutiny and failure to meet the county’s review process requirements.
What hours will the Stuart Costco operate?
Costco typically opens at 10 a.m., though official store hours will be confirmed closer to the opening date.
What is Costco doing to support the local community?
Costco invests in the local community by hiring locally, retaining employees through strong benefits, and supporting local businesses through its wholesale offerings.
How will this development impact traffic and safety?
A new public road funded by the developers and a traffic signal at Kanner Highway will alleviate congestion and enhance safety for commuters and residents.
