Tallmadge Duchess gas station investing $3.5 million to raze, rebuild site

The Duchess gas station at the Six Points intersection in Tallmadge is planning a $3.5 million reconstruction, which owners hope to start in early summer 2022.

Englefield Oil Company, which owns 120 Duchess locations throughout Ohio and West Virginia, recently received approval from the Tallmadge Planning and Zoning Commission, and must now get building approval from the city engineer, zoning approval and final signage approval.

John Gordon of Englefield Oil said the company plans to raze the site first, including pulling out the current underground gas tanks, which will take about two months.

"What we have there is currently legal, but it is older," Gordon said. "So one of the advantages of doing this project upgrading safety of all of our underground product."

Once that work is completed, Englefield will start rebuilding the site, which should take another four months.

The entire project should take about six months. The new station is expected to open in late 2022.

In addition to the safety upgrades, Englefield plans to go from three to four gas islands, which Gordon said should reduce congestion. They are also planning to reorient the islands so that customers can drive straight through between Southeast Avenue and Eastwood Avenue.

"Currently, you come in and you have to angle in. That's not real convenient with the direction that the pumps are facing," Gordon said. "So we're going to turn the pumps in the other direction for easier access of the roads. If you visit for gas, it's easy in and out."

The convenience store is also getting a major facelift and will have a small seating area, premade grab-and-go options, drinks, and grocery items.

The new store will be larger at about 4,200 square feet compared to the current 2,500 feet, and Englefield anticipates hiring 20 new employees.

"I think it's a home run, a real attractive gateway from [state] Route 532," Gordon said.

Reporter Krista S. Kano can be reached at 330-541-9416, kkano@thebeaconjournal.com or on Twitter @KristaKanoABJ.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Tallmadge Duchess BP gas station closing next summer for remodel