El Dorado Hills (Nov 3, 2024) – Costco’s latest proposal for a retail development in El Dorado Hills is a significant pivot from initial plans. The revised design removes the 304-unit apartment complex and adjacent retail spaces that were originally included, replacing them with a Costco-branded gas station. This new plan, submitted to El Dorado County officials, centers on a 156,000-square-foot Costco warehouse with parking that spans both ground level and underground. The store is planned to sit on the southern portion of the 40-acre site along Silva Valley Parkway, north of Highway 50, with the gas station occupying a section of the northern half. Over 21 acres will remain undeveloped under this updated proposal.
This development could bring economic benefits to El Dorado Hills, including increased local sales tax revenue and reduced congestion at the Folsom Costco. While some residents are enthusiastic about the convenience and potential jobs, others may have concerns about traffic and environmental impacts—especially given the proximity to residential areas. County officials, led by El Dorado County Supervisor John Hidahl, have promised to carefully consider the community’s interests during planning.
Costco’s updated plans come shortly after it completed the purchase of the site in August, underscoring its commitment to the area despite the project’s evolution. As of now, there’s no confirmed timeline for construction or opening, and El Dorado Hills isn’t listed in Costco’s immediate expansion plans. However, this new Costco is part of the company’s recent expansion in the Sacramento region, which includes new stores in Natomas, Loomis, and a planned site in Roseville.
Let us know your thoughts! Do you think the trade-off—losing apartments for a gas station—will benefit or challenge El Dorado Hills? And will this Costco bring more good than bad to the area?