Costco is building affordable housing above one Los Angeles store through a private partnership, but claims of a nationwide housing initiative are false, according to fact-checkers.

Los Angeles Project Details

The warehouse retailer partnered with Thrive Living, a real estate developer, to construct 800 rental apartments across five floors above a new Costco store in Los Angeles. Construction began in September 2024 on the site of a former abandoned office development. The project allocates 184 units for low-income households, while the remaining apartments target middle-income families who earn too much for subsidized housing but cannot afford typical area rentals.

Thrive Living estimates construction will take two and a half years, projecting completion in 2027. The developer specializes in transforming underused properties in areas facing housing affordability challenges. As of December 2025, only concept artwork existed showing the planned development, with no construction photos available from credible sources.

Social Media Claims Debunked

December 2025 social media posts falsely suggested Costco planned similar housing projects nationwide. Some posts included fake construction images that did not depict the actual Los Angeles development. Fact-checkers found no evidence supporting claims of additional Costco housing partnerships beyond the single Los Angeles project.

What This Means

While some cities have integrated Costco stores into residential neighborhoods, this Los Angeles project represents the first apartment construction directly above a Costco location. The partnership addresses local housing shortages without indicating company-wide policy changes. Consumers should verify housing development claims through official company announcements rather than social media speculation.