The move to bring a Buc-ee’s travel center to Tallahassee is moving forward now that the company has officially purchased property tagged for the development.
The Texas-based convenience store chain completed a land transaction for more than 30 acres near Capital Circle Northwest and Interstate 10, the same property that was previously slated to be an outlet mall that never 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,” said Heather Richmond, vice president of Meyer Development, in a LinkedIn post.
Richmond, representing the seller, said plans are now underway to market over 20 acres of commercial land adjacent to the BUC-EE’S site and an additional to 60 acres zoned for residential.
Earlier this year, the Tallahassee Democrat reported the chain’s preliminary plans to build a massive 75,000 square-foot store, equipped with 120 pumps, 795 parking spots and another two dozen parking spaces for electric vehicles.
The development would be part of the Park Place Planned Unit Development (PUD) that spans approximately 73 acres, said Leon County Administrator Vince Long. He said the existing PUD signaled there would be some level of development at the site and it was just 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 told the Democrat. “And, certainly given its location, it’s certainly a very good commercial anchor.”
Long said the county has worked with the company’s team in answering questions and offering guidance during the pre-submittal stage in the permit process. No official site plan has been submitted, but Long anticipates one will be filed in the near future following the land deal.
Early this year, the company attempted a temperature check of the county’s sign variance policy to determine if its customary towering sign seen from the interstate would be allowed.
Buc-ee’s will need to submit a sign master plan as part of its site plan application, Long said.
“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 said. “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 development doesn’t rank among the largest commercial developments in the county’s history, its location and economic development potential has local leaders singing its praises.
The mega gas station project is slated to generate nearly 200 jobs with salaries ranging from $16 to $32 per hour; six salaries estimated over $100,000.
In an email to constituents last week, Rick Minor, who represents District 3 where the Buc-ee’s will rise, notes the project “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 said the project 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 said, in a text 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 more excited to see this project moving forward,” he said, adding the project was “an incredible investment and a major win for our community.”
Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: ‘A major win’: Buc-ee’s buys land for travel center in Tallahassee
Reporting by TaMaryn Waters, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
