Plan commission recommends master plan amendment, approves lot split to allow proposed Costco at Northwestern Mutual site

The City of Franklin Plan Commission on Aug. 7 recommended adopting a comprehensive master plan amendment to change the future land‑use designation for property at 2710 W. Drexel Ave. from office to mixed use and approved a two‑lot certified survey map to create a developable parcel in the southeast corner of the Northwestern Mutual Life campus.

Planning staff told commissioners the change would allow a retail parcel to be created for a proposed Costco while requiring a later planned unit development (PUD) and site‑plan review because Costco’s building and glazing standards differ from the city’s mixed‑use standards. Staff also noted existing conservation easements, wetlands and stormwater easements on the property that will require revisions and appropriate buffer work as the project proceeds.

The proposed Costco parcel totals about 20 acres, staff said; the existing Northwestern Mutual building and most of the remaining campus would not be altered by the land division. Staff recommended approval of the land division and the master plan amendment pending standard conditions, including submittal of a site plan amendment for Northwestern Mutual’s remaining parking and a traffic impact analysis tied to the future development.

Commissioners asked about access and traffic. Staff said the primary entrance for the proposed retail site is expected to be off W. Drexel Ave., that the applicant is preparing a traffic‑impact assessment that will include 30th Street and surrounding links, and that the commission will review materials and a PUD/site plan before any final building permits are issued.

The commission voted to recommend approval of the certified survey map and to recommend the comprehensive master plan amendment; both motions carried by voice vote with no opposition recorded.