Residents of Franklin, Wisconsin, still reminisce about their long-lost drive-in theater, but enthusiasm is high for the new Costco warehouse store taking its place. In a major milestone for the retailer's fans, this will be the first Costco outlet in Milwaukee County.
Project Details
In addition to the warehouse, Costco is building a 12-pump gas station and 868 parking spaces. The project was approved last fall and broke ground this week, with the location scheduled to open in November.
'I want to thank the Costco team for choosing our community to build its first store in Milwaukee County,' said Franklin Mayor John Nelson. Nelson expressed hope that the development could attract 'other large tenants' to the area, noting that 'we all worked together seamlessly to get it done.'
Costco's Presence in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is familiar with Costco: the retailer has stores in Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Pewaukee, New Berlin, and Pleasant Prairie, with an Oconomowoc location in the works. Costco operates over 920 warehouses nationwide, known for its food court and $1.50 soda and hot dog combo.
Local Reactions
Some locals expressed reservations. 'Everyone is excited about Costco, but that green space won't ever be green again,' wrote one Reddit user. They added, 'That not only is bad for local air quality, it means the water management, which Milwaukee has been struggling with, gets that much worse, it will be hotter around that area, and it is simply going to be ugly now.'
Insurance company Northwestern Mutual has an office complex near the new Costco, but its 2,000 employees will move to downtown Milwaukee in 2027. A Reddit user commented that Northwestern 'spent a lot of money' to make Franklin a hub before shifting focus. 'It'll be interesting to see what else comes of that area as they change their strategy,' they added.
Memories of the Drive-In
Other locals shared memories of the 41 Twin Outdoor Theatre, which closed in the early 2000s to make way for the Northwestern Mutual campus. 'I went there a lot! As a teen we would all pile in someone's truck and sneak in for cheap. I remember seeing the Blair Witch Project there and being terrified! Last movie I recall watching there was Jurassic Park 3,' wrote one Reddit user.
Costco Membership and Changes
For Costco members, the new warehouse is a welcome addition. Memberships start at around $65 a year for basic or $130 for Executive, offering 2 percent cashback. Costco has rolled out digital upgrades, including app improvements and virtual waiting rooms for high-demand items. The company is installing membership card scanners at entrances to curb card sharing, and now requires membership verification at some outdoor food courts, limiting access to the $1.50 hot dog combo for non-members. Some shoppers have complained about shifting aisles, but executives describe the rotating layout as a 'treasure hunt' strategy to encourage discovery.
