Irondale, Alabama, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Irondale, Alabama, is set to welcome its first Costco location, a significant development for the city. The new store, covering 152,000 square feet on an 18-acre parcel, will create 200 to 300 jobs and generate substantial annual tax revenue. Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. described this project as a defining moment for Irondale, boosting its economic landscape while committing to community well-being. The total investment exceeds $105 million, making it the smallest city in Alabama to host a Costco.
Irondale Welcomes Costco, Promising Economic Growth
As part of a significant economic development initiative, Irondale, Alabama, is set to welcome its first Costco location, making it the sixth store for the wholesale retailer in the state. The announcement was made by Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. during a special City Council meeting held on July 29, 2025.
The new Costco will be situated on an 18-acre parcel at 4514 Grants Mill Trail, adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz dealership and conveniently located near Interstate 459. The development plan outlines a 152,000-square-foot warehouse alongside a self-service gas station.
This project represents a total investment projected to exceed $105 million. The city council unanimously approved the purchase of the land designated for this development. Mayor Stewart highlighted the occasion as a “defining moment” for Irondale, indicating that the city is poised for growth and high-quality development.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The introduction of Costco is anticipated to create between 200 and 300 new jobs for local residents. In addition to job creation, the project is projected to generate between $6 million and $8 million in annual tax revenue for Irondale. Known for offering higher-than-average wages and employee benefits, Costco recently raised its minimum wage to $20 per hour, further enhancing the appeal of employment at their facilities.
With an estimated population of around 13,500, Irondale will become the smallest city in Alabama with a Costco location. The development is seen as a catalyst for revitalizing underutilized land, expanding the city’s tax base, and creating well-paying job opportunities.
Commitment to Community and Development
Mayor Stewart emphasized the project’s role in boosting Irondale’s financial stability without increasing taxes or impacting essential services. This development marks the most substantial economic progress in Irondale since the establishment of the Irondale Luxury Automall.
Costco has a significant presence in Alabama, with stores already operational in cities like Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Madison. Currently, the city is in the early stages of negotiations regarding the project, with no specific timeline for construction announced yet.
In addressing community concerns, the city plans to create a buffer zone between the Costco property and nearby residential areas to mitigate potential noise and traffic issues associated with the retail location. Mayor Stewart reassured residents that the city is committed to protecting nearby neighborhoods throughout the development process.
Conclusion
The anticipated Costco in Irondale symbolizes a significant investment that aims to elevate the city’s economic landscape while providing quality job opportunities. The city’s leadership remains optimistic about the benefits this development will bring to the local community.
FAQ
What is the new Costco location in Irondale, Alabama?
The new Costco will be located on 18 acres at 4514 Grants Mill Trail, next to the Mercedes-Benz dealership.
When was the announcement made?
The announcement was made on July 29, 2025, during a special City Council meeting.
What is the projected cost of the Costco development?
The total investment for the project is projected to exceed $105 million.
How many jobs will the new Costco create?
The new Costco is expected to create between 200 and 300 jobs for local residents.
What are the expected tax revenues from the Costco?
The project could generate between $6 million and $8 million in yearly tax revenue for Irondale.
Key Features of the Costco Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4514 Grants Mill Trail, Irondale, Alabama |
| Size | 152,000 square feet |
| Land Area | 18 acres |
| Total Investment | Exceeds $105 million |
| Job Creation | 200 to 300 jobs |
| Yearly Tax Revenue | $6 million to $8 million |
| Minimum Wage | $20 per hour |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Costco to Open New Location in Irondale
Additional Resources
- AL.com
- Bham Now
- WBRC
- WVTM 13
- ABC3340
- Wikipedia: Costco
- Google Search: Costco Irondale Alabama
- Google Scholar: Costco economic impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costco
- Google News: Costco Irondale Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
