Costco Wholesale Corporation has purchased 15.39 acres of land south of Union Hill Road in Redmond for $16 million, according to King County records stamped July 31.

On July 27, Paul J. Taylor of Taylor Union Hill, LLC and J. Michael Magnussen Jr. of Magnussen-Cadman, LLC signed a specialty warranty deed as grantors.

The future site of the Costco warehouse will be on the two parcels of land on the corner of Northeast 76th Street and 188th Avenue Northeast.

A Costco spokesperson said the company’s policy is to not comment on specific locations, so a possible opening date is not known at this time.

In a Sept. 8, 2009 Reporter story, Mayor John Marchione confirmed that Costco planned to open a store on Union Hill, but negotiations between the land owner and Costco stalled, putting the plans on hold. At that time, he declined to comment further about the Costco development, but did say he was optimistic that a deal will get done.

In 2015, Marchione is pleased to see Costco’s investment in the city.

“Our vibrant economy, strong sense of community and keen focus on quality and value offer a wonderful market opportunity. Redmond’s citizens have been seeking expanded choices for over two decades. I’m proud of my administration’s role in helping lay a strong  foundation for Costco’s decision,” he said.

According to a Seattle Times article on June 16, 1994, Price/Costco devised plans in 1991 to begin construction of a warehouse and headquarters near State Route 520 and Northeast Redmond Way, but the $12.55 million project was halted by the state Department of Transportation because of traffic concerns over the congested intersection.

Reporter readers have voiced their opinions about Costco setting up shop in Redmond on Facebook this week, with three comments noting: “That will make traffic better (upset emoticon),” “Hmm… big footprint on our suburb” and “A lot of extra traffic coming through or past family/residential living, too. As with the first time around. I’m not really sure this is the most ideal location…though admittedly I’m not sure where else you’d site a Costco in Redmond.”