One of the most talked-about retail projects in Southwest Florida is the proposed relocation of Costco Wholesale in Fort Myers. After months of speculation, the latest publicly available information indicates the project is moving forward, with Costco purchasing a 55-acre site at the northeast corner of Colonial Boulevard and Plantation Road.
The land acquisition was publicly announced on May 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone for a project that could reshape one of Lee County's busiest retail corridors.
Although construction has not yet begun and no opening date has been announced, the proposed new warehouse is expected to offer more space, expanded fuel facilities, and improved capacity for the growing Southwest Florida market.
A New Home for Costco
The proposed development is planned for approximately 55 acres at the intersection of Colonial Boulevard and Plantation Road.
The site sits in one of Fort Myers' fastest-growing commercial corridors and offers convenient access from several major roadways, including:
- Colonial Boulevard
- Plantation Road
- Interstate 75
- Daniels Parkway
- Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Its central location makes it easily accessible to shoppers from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, and other surrounding communities.
Replacing the Current Fort Myers Store
According to current planning information, the new warehouse is expected to replace Costco's existing Fort Myers location on Cypress Lake Drive.
While Costco has not announced when the transition would occur, the proposed facility is planned to better accommodate current and future customer demand.
The existing warehouse has served the area for many years, but Southwest Florida's rapid population growth has increased traffic and shopper volume significantly since it first opened.
A Larger Warehouse
Plans call for a warehouse that is larger than the current Fort Myers Costco.
Although final building specifications have not been released publicly, a larger store could provide several potential benefits, including:
- More shopping space
- Expanded product selection
- Wider aisles
- Improved customer circulation
- Additional storage capacity
- Greater operational efficiency
As Southwest Florida continues to add new residents, a larger warehouse is expected to help meet increasing demand.
Expanded Fuel Station
One of the most anticipated features of the proposed location is an expanded fuel station.
Current plans include additional gas pumps, which could help reduce the long lines that frequently develop at the existing Costco gas station.
For many members, Costco's fuel prices are a major benefit of membership, making expanded fueling capacity an important part of the project.
Why This Location?
The Colonial Boulevard and Plantation Road corridor has become one of Southwest Florida's primary commercial hubs.
Nearby destinations include:
- Lee Health facilities
- Residential communities
- Retail centers
- Restaurants
- Professional offices
- Interstate 75
- Major employment centers
Its location also provides convenient access for shoppers traveling from multiple parts of Lee County without requiring a trip farther south.
Preparing for Future Growth
Southwest Florida continues to rank among Florida's fastest-growing regions.
As population increases, retailers are expanding to serve larger customer bases while improving the shopping experience.
Projects like the proposed Fort Myers Costco reflect broader regional trends that include:
- Population growth
- Residential development
- Commercial investment
- Infrastructure improvements
- Increased consumer demand
A larger warehouse and expanded fuel station are intended to better serve today's customers while accommodating future growth.
Community Discussion
Like many major retail developments, the proposed Costco has generated a variety of reactions from local residents.
Supporters often point to potential benefits such as:
- A larger warehouse
- More gas pumps
- Improved shopping convenience
- Better parking and circulation
- Additional retail investment in the area
Others have raised questions about:
- Traffic impacts
- Road improvements
- Construction timelines
- Future development surrounding the site
- The transition from the current Cypress Lake Drive location
These are common topics as large commercial projects move through planning and development.
What Happens Next?
While the land purchase represents an important milestone, several steps remain before customers can shop at the new location.
The project will continue through phases that may include:
- Final engineering and site design
- Permitting
- Infrastructure improvements
- Construction
- Building inspections
- Store opening preparations
At this time, Costco has not announced an official groundbreaking date, construction schedule, or opening timeline.
Looking Ahead
The proposed Fort Myers Costco represents one of the region's most anticipated retail projects. If completed as planned, the larger warehouse and expanded fuel station could provide an improved shopping experience while supporting the continued growth of Lee County.
Although several questions remain—including when construction will begin and when the new store will open—the land acquisition marks meaningful progress toward bringing the project to life.
For Southwest Florida shoppers, it is another example of how national retailers continue investing in the region as its population, economy, and consumer demand continue to grow.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available property records, development applications, planning documents, and news reports available as of June 2026. Construction schedules, store size, site plans, approvals, and opening timelines remain subject to change as the project progresses.