Costco could be coming to Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Costco could build a store in Fort Wayne if a partnership in the works between the giant retailer and Kelley Chevrolet comes to fruition.  

Costco would build the store on land located on Lima Road just south of I-69 where the Seyfert's potato chip plan used to be located.  Kelley Chevrolet wants to move it's East State Boulevard dealership to the Lima Road location as well.  

The company is a membership based retailer similar to Sam's Club and sells everything from groceries to appliances.

Under the partnership, Costco and Kelley would share the land and develop it together.

Costco filed an application to build the store with the Fort Wayne Plan Commission in August.  On Monday night, the commission held a public hearing.  The only person who spoke was Fort Wayne City Council President, Tom Smith.

“It is really significant for our city because there are certain signature businesses that really say this is a growing and vibrant community,” Smith said.  “Costco is one of them.”

Smith hopes the store will open in time for the 2013 Christmas shopping season.

“This place is going to employee up to 200 people,” Smith said.  “And invest up to $25 to $30 million.”

Costco has three stores currently in Indiana.  They are located in Merrillville, Castleton and northwest Indianapolis.

Residents in Fort Wayne have expressed their desire for a Costco to come to town.  Last year, Costco was ranked number five of the top 10 businesses people wanted to see.  The poll was sent to readers of Fort Wayne Monthly as part of the magazine’s annual reader poll.

The list went as followed:

1. Trader Joe's
2. IKEA
3. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
4. Whole Foods Market
5. Costco
6. Crate & Barrel
7. Apple Store
8. Cheesecake Factory
9. Nordstrom
10. Pottery Barn

Smith hopes a Costco will pave the path for other businesses to build in Fort Wayne.  Smith compared Costco to Starbucks.  According to the council president, a few years ago, companies would move to towns and cities where Starbucks made investments.

“When people look at our community, they say, what other shops, stores and amenities are there,” he said.  “If you have a Costco, that’s a plus.  Costco only goes to promising communities that are going to support them well."

The plan commission will consider the application during a meeting next week.  It is scheduled for Monday September 17, at 5 p.m.