Final plans for Costco in the future materialize.

Costco intends to open its new location sometime next year on the southwest corner of Sarival Avenue and Waddell road, according to city documents.

The developer is evaluating the site, the city is expanding the road and plans are under consideration.

On Tuesday, the project reached a milestone.

City Council members voted unanimously to approve liquor licenses in place.

The claim is notable because this is the first time the Board OK’d part of a Costco plan.

Before that, city officials and the Council hushed up the retailer’s plans, saying that any news about Costco’s plans must come from the company itself.

The townspeople demanded details. Costco is the most coveted retailer in the city, according to numerous city surveys.

Sally Erickson, a resident of sun city West, said she and her husband are excited to see the project moving forward and she’s trying to follow every step.

The closest Costco to it, and many residents surprise, is in the Arrowhead area of Glendale, which many say is difficult to reach due to bell road traffic.

The new Costco will be “just hop, skip and jump,” away from Erickson.

The Arizona Republic was able to piece together details about the retailer’s plans, including publishing the first official confirmation that something was in the works in February and revealing the store’s location in may.

In June, tucked into a city document for a related road project, the Republic found the best timing yet to be released at the retailer’s opening: “Sometime in 2020.”

With Council approval on Tuesday, it seems the plans are starting to become public.

This summer, city Council Members voted to promote a road project that would benefit Costco.

The project will expand Waddell road to three lanes in each direction, from loop 303 to Reems Road. The city will also add a traffic signal at the corner of prospect has Serial and Waddell road.

Work is ongoing and utilities have now been relocated, says Diana Arthur, a spokeswoman for the city.

A 152,904 square foot Costco warehouse and gas station called “Prasada Gateway Costco” is planned for the 16-acre site, according to city documents.

The city is reviewing the site plan for the site that was originally submitted to April.

The developer is negotiating the sale of land for the project, according to a city document from this summer.

The exact opening time scale of Costco is the last important detail that the public is waiting for.

Costco does not officially announce new projects until several months before they open, according to Costco officials. The list of upcoming projects on the company’s website does not mention the surprise.

Costco expects about 200 to 250 full-time employees on site, according to city documents. The company has yet to announce when hiring will begin.

After years of rumors, Surprise resident Tara Lipke said it’s nice to see something more specific from the city with liquor license approval.

Lipke got rid of the Costco membership a couple of years ago because it wasn’t worth going to Arrowhead or Goodyear locations. That would convince her to get a membership again, she said.

“It’s interesting to know that it’s finally arriving.”

To be brought to the reporter on [email protected] or 602-444-8763. Follow her on Twitter @JenAFifield.