Southern Grove's Transformation Brings Costco, Commerce, and Jobs to Port St. Lucie

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Port St. Lucie, Florida, once lacked a traditional downtown or employment hub, leading to decades of out-commuting and limited access to high-paying local jobs. To reverse this trend, city leaders envisioned the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor, a 1,200-acre tract along Interstate 95 that could redefine the city's economic future. Though experts projected a 30-year build-out, today, fewer than 20 acres remain undeveloped as the area has attracted major employers like Costco.

Why it matters

The rapid development of the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor represents a significant turnaround for Port St. Lucie, which had struggled with a lack of local economic opportunities. The influx of new businesses and jobs is expected to reduce out-commuting, boost the city's tax base, and provide more high-paying employment options for residents.

The details

The Southern Grove Jobs Corridor was designed to attract a mix of commercial, retail, and light industrial tenants. In just a few years, the area has welcomed major employers like Costco, as well as smaller businesses and startups. The rapid pace of development has surprised even city officials, who had initially projected a 30-year build-out for the 1,200-acre site.

• The Southern Grove Jobs Corridor was envisioned by Port St. Lucie city leaders to address the city's lack of a traditional downtown or employment hub.
• Experts initially projected a 30-year build-out for the 1,200-acre jobs corridor.
• Today, fewer than 20 acres remain undeveloped in the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor.

What’s next

City officials are continuing to work on attracting additional businesses and employers to the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor, with the goal of further reducing out-commuting and providing more high-paying job opportunities for Port St. Lucie residents.