Plans for a new Costco store at Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake are underway, aiming to replace the long-vacant former Sears location. The applicant, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway LLC, which owns a significant portion of the mall property, is currently pursuing a conditional use permit for a new gas station alongside the proposed store.
According to the application, if approved, this big-box store could initially employ approximately 200 individuals and attract around 7,000 customers daily. Notably, it is estimated that 10% of these customers would utilize the gas station. Jimmy McNamara, the city’s planning department director, confirmed via email that the submitted site plan indicates a new building distinct from the existing mall structure. He noted that the application is currently under review and revisions are being made by the applicant.
At this stage, the proposal is not scheduled for any upcoming Planning Commission or City Council meetings, although the gas station application will require action from these bodies. The current zoning regulations would permit the construction of a warehouse store at this site without additional approvals.
Mike Sifen, president of Sifen Inc., acquired most of the mall property at auction nearly a year ago for $22.35 million. He purchased the former Sears property for $6.8 million in 2022, according to city records. Efforts to reach Sifen or his representatives for comment were unsuccessful.
The Sears store at Greenbrier Mall closed in 2018, having been one of the original anchor stores when the mall opened in 1981. Mayor Rick West expressed optimism about the redevelopment prospects, stating, “I’m very excited about it,” referring to the proposed Costco. He acknowledged the decline of the mall had been “heartbreaking” and added that while the new Costco may not be the ideal development, it represents a step toward further revitalization.
The mall property is included in a recently adopted areawide redevelopment plan for Greenbrier. West indicated that the public will have an opportunity to provide input when the conditional use permit for the gas station is presented to the City Council.
Currently, Costco operates two other locations in the Hampton Roads area, with stores in Norfolk and Newport News. Construction is also underway for a new 152,000-square-foot warehouse in Newport News, expected to open in 2027. In response to inquiries about the new location, Costco Wholesale provided an automated reply stating they cannot comment on new locations unless they are set to open soon.
As the proposal continues through the permitting process, the potential for revitalization at Greenbrier Mall remains a topic of interest for local residents and stakeholders.
