photo by: Shelley Hanson

Shown here is the site where a new Sheetz gas station and store will be constructed in Moundsville at 209 Lafayette Ave.

MOUNDSVILLE — Demolition of the former Joe’s Auto building and adjacent shopping plaza is expected to begin soon to make way for a new Sheetz gas station and store.

Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy said Friday that officials have been working on the deal to land Sheetz for the city for about a year. The new location at 209 Lafayette Ave. is tentatively slated to open next summer.

“We’re just thrilled to death that they’re here. We’ve been working on this project for well over a year,” he said. “It’s been hard to keep quiet about it because it’s an exciting thing for Moundsville. But we’re glad to have them. It’s going to be a great location and they’re thrilled to come to Moundsville. We expect that they’re going to have a very busy store here in Moundsville.”

The station will have space for 10 vehicles to purchase fuel at one time. The 6,132-square-foot store will also have food that can be ordered at kiosks and indoor and outdoor seating.

“Today, Sheetz is excited to announce that construction is officially underway on its first-ever location in Marshall County, located in Moundsville, West Virginia,” said Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz. “As a company, we are eager to become a true part of the Moundsville community and bring our all-in-one destination to residents.”

This Sheetz will also offer free internet and be open 24 hours a day, year-round. Between 30-35 people will be hired to work there.

“The city is extremely happy to see Sheetz coming to our community,” Healy said. “Their brand is so recognizable and will change the landscape of Lafayette Avenue. This is one of the most anticipated new businesses in memory, and we look forward to a long-time partnership with Sheetz.”

The Sheetz station can be added to Moundsville’s growing list of new businesses deciding to open there. Healy said while the city’s population is not increasing, its “business climate has proven to be a good one.”

“We are growing economically. … We hear from businesses that we’re easy to work with,” Healy said. “From the building inspectors, to the fire inspectors, up through the office staff, permitting and licensing – we do a really good job of working hard to make it easier for any business. It may not have everything to do with it, but I can think Moundsville is growing and people like it here.”

Healy added businesses once located in the small shopping plaza that will be demolished for the station have all moved out. This includes the Reynolds Rapid Care that recently reopened in a larger, renovated space in another plaza just down the highway near the Aldi grocery store.