Costco Plans Major Retail Expansion Near Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater
Retail Giant Expands Footprint in Miami-Dade County
Costco Wholesale Corporation is pushing forward with ambitious expansion plans in Miami-Dade County, with its latest proposal targeting a strategic location near the popular Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater. According to county records, the wholesale club giant has filed an application to develop a massive 159,200-square-foot warehouse store on a 20-acre vacant parcel west of Northwest 119th Court, situated between Northwest 21st and 17th streets.
The comprehensive development plan, submitted to Miami-Dade County officials in January, outlines a full-service retail complex that includes not only the main warehouse store but also a dedicated liquor store and a detached gas station. This move represents Costco's continued confidence in the South Florida market, where it already maintains a significant presence.
Strategic Location Enhances Retail Corridor
The proposed site's location offers several strategic advantages for both Costco and local shoppers. Positioned immediately west of the existing Topgolf entertainment venue at 11850 Northwest 22nd Street and directly across the Florida Turnpike from Dolphin Mall, the new Costco would benefit from established traffic patterns and proximity to one of Miami's premier shopping destinations.
The three-lot development site is currently vacant and owned by Cimabian, a company led by Vidal Suriel, according to property records. Costco has requested a pre-application meeting with county officials—a standard procedural step that allows developers to receive initial feedback from Miami-Dade department staff before submitting formal applications.
Part of Broader South Florida Expansion
The proposed Sweetwater location adds to Costco's growing footprint in the region. Under the leadership of CEO Ron Vachris, Costco currently operates 13 wholesale clubs throughout South Florida, including four existing locations in Miami-Dade County.
This would not be the only new Costco planned for the area. The company is also developing another location in south Miami-Dade as part of a no-bid agreement between Miami-Dade County and Coconut Grove-based Swerdlow Group. That project will be located off Southwest 190th Street, near the junction where U.S.1 connects to Florida's Turnpike, further expanding Costco's market penetration in the southern part of the county.
Responding to South Florida's Population Growth
Costco's expansion strategy aligns with broader retail growth trends across South Florida. The tri-county region has experienced remarkable population growth in recent years, largely driven by an influx of residents relocating from other states. This demographic shift has triggered an acceleration in retail and grocery development across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Several other grocery retailers have similarly announced expansion plans in response to this population boom. In the past year alone, Presidente Supermarket secured a 28,000-square-foot lease at Westland Promenade in Hialeah. Meanwhile, Chicago-based premium grocery chain Go Grocer is preparing to open a 2,500-square-foot location on the ground floor of the Motif apartment building in Fort Lauderdale. Adding to the competitive landscape, Whole Foods recently inaugurated a 35,000-square-foot store at Uptown Boca mixed-use development in Palm Beach County.
Impact on Local Economy and Consumer Options
The proposed Costco development represents more than just another retail option for Sweetwater residents. Large-scale retail projects typically generate significant economic activity through construction jobs, permanent employment opportunities, and increased tax revenue for local governments.
With its membership-based model and bulk purchasing options, Costco offers consumers a different shopping experience compared to traditional supermarkets. The addition of a gas station at this location will provide further convenience for members, potentially influencing local fuel pricing dynamics in the surrounding area.
Insights: What You Need to Know About This Development
When will construction begin on the new Costco?
The project is still in the preliminary approval phase. Costco has filed for a pre-application meeting with Miami-Dade County officials to discuss the proposal before submitting formal plans. No official construction timeline has been announced.
How many jobs will the new Costco create?
While specific employment figures for this location haven't been released, typical Costco warehouse stores employ between 150-300 workers depending on size and sales volume. The company is known for offering competitive wages and benefits compared to industry averages.
Will this affect traffic near Dolphin Mall?
Traffic impact studies will likely be required as part of the approval process. The site's proximity to the Florida Turnpike and existing retail infrastructure suggests county planners will evaluate potential traffic pattern changes before granting final approvals.
How does this project compare to other Costco locations in South Florida?
At 159,200 square feet, the proposed warehouse store falls within the typical size range for Costco locations. The inclusion of both a liquor store and gas station is consistent with the company's modern store format in suburban locations.
Will membership rates differ at this location?
Costco typically maintains consistent membership pricing across all locations. Current membership fees (as of early 2025) would be expected to apply at this new location when it opens.
