Buc-ee’s buys land in Tallahassee for mega journey middle

• Buc-ee’s has bought over 30 acres of land in Tallahassee for a brand new journey middle.
• The proposed web site is positioned close to Capital Circle Northwest and Interstate 10.
• Plans for the situation embody a 75,000-square-foot retailer, 120 fuel pumps, and practically 200 jobs.

The transfer to convey a Buc-ee’s journey middle to Tallahassee is transferring ahead now that the corporate has formally bought property tagged for the event.

The Texas-based comfort retailer chain accomplished a land transaction for greater than 30 acres close to Capital Circle Northwest and Interstate 10, the identical property that was beforehand slated to be an outlet mall that by no means panned out.

“Closed! I am excited to share that BUC-EE’S has purchased 30+ acres at our PARK PLACE development site at I-10 & Capital Circle NW in TALLAHASSEE,” mentioned Heather Richmond, vice chairman of Meyer Development, in a LinkedIn publish.

Richmond, representing the vendor, mentioned plans are actually underway to market over 20 acres of economic land adjoining to the BUC-EE’S web site and a further to 60 acres zoned for residential.

Earlier this 12 months, the Tallahassee Democrat reported the chain’s preliminary plans to construct an enormous 75,000 square-foot retailer, outfitted with 120 pumps, 795 parking spots and one other two dozen parking areas for electrical automobiles.

The growth could be a part of the Park Place Planned Unit Development (PUD) that spans roughly 73 acres, mentioned Leon County Administrator Vince Long. He mentioned the present PUD signaled there could be some stage of growth on the web site and it was only a matter of time and specifics.

“I think a lot of people had anticipation about understanding that at that particular intersection that there would be a commercial anchor there,” Long informed the Democrat. “And, certainly given its location, it’s certainly a very good commercial anchor.”

Long mentioned the county has labored with the corporate’s staff in answering questions and providing steerage through the pre-submittal stage within the allow course of. No official web site plan has been submitted, however Long anticipates one might be filed within the close to future following the land deal.

Early this 12 months, the corporate tried a temperature examine of the county’s signal variance coverage to find out if its customary towering signal seen from the interstate could be allowed.

Buc-ee’s might want to submit an indication grasp plan as a part of its web site plan software, Long mentioned.

“Our experience has been very similar to the Amazon pre-submittal process because, again, they have highly competent professionals that are working on their their team that understand the requirements and are learning more about specifics site conditions,” Long mentioned. “So, given all that, we can usually tell and infer from the pre-submittal process that the actual site application process tends to go very smoothly.”

While this proposed growth would not rank among the many largest industrial developments within the county’s historical past, its location and financial growth potential has native leaders singing its praises.

The mega fuel station challenge is slated to generate practically 200 jobs with salaries starting from $16 to $32 per hour; six salaries estimated over $100,000.

In an electronic mail to constituents final week, Rick Minor, who represents District 3 the place the Buc-ee’s will rise, notes the challenge “is still in the early stages but proceeding without any major issues.”

“Next step? Buc-ee’s will submit detailed development plans for review,” he wrote. “At that point, the County will schedule public hearings, giving the public an opportunity to provide input.”

Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban mentioned the challenge represents “a tremendous opportunity for our residents and our local economy.”

“Beyond the direct employment, Buc-ee’s consistently boosts local businesses, increases tourism and spending, and contributes significantly to state and local tax revenue,” Caban mentioned, in a textual content to the Democrat. “They have a strong reputation for being good neighbors by supporting local charities, and we are grateful they’ve chosen to invest in Leon County.”

Caban, who’s been in close talks with the company’s representatives, said Buc-ee’s is planning to break ground in early 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2027.

“We couldn’t be extra excited to see this challenge transferring ahead,” he said, adding the project was “an unbelievable funding and a significant win for our neighborhood.”

Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.