Franklin Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Milwaukee County’s First Costco

Franklin’s Plan Commission has unanimously approved zoning and land division changes to pave the way for Milwaukee County’s first Costco store, to be built at 27th and Drexel Avenue on about 20 acres of land currently owned by Northwestern Mutual. The proposed 162,000-square-foot warehouse will include a tire shop and gas station, with the city and developer targeting a late 2026 opening. City officials, including Mayor John Nelson, view the project as a catalyst for redevelopment in the area, which contains some blighted spots, and hope it will attract additional large tenants. The approval process included traffic studies and public meetings, though no opposition was voiced during the recent commission meeting. This location will join five existing Costco stores in southeastern Wisconsin and comes as the retailer also pursues a new site in Oconomowoc. Final development steps include site plan approval and completion of the land sale from Northwestern Mutual to Costco.