Owners looking to upgrade Shell station at Frye Road intersection

The owner of the Shell gas station at the corner of Richmond Highway and Frye Road has applied to build a larger, more modern service station and mini-mart at the site.

NOVA Petroleum Realty, LLC, is looking to demolish the current six-pump service station and replace it with a food mart and a service station featuring 12 vehicle fueling positions. The 12 stations would be at six pumps under a new canopy. The current station has no canopy.

The new station and 2,500 square foot market will be larger than the current setup, and will use undeveloped land next to the station that is also owned by NOVA Petroleum Realty. The two parcels of land are approximately 40,660 square feet.

The station and market would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week — much like the 7-Eleven convenience store right next door on Frye Road.

The Shell site has been home to a service station since at least 1966, and no significant upgrades have been made in more than 30 years, according to the application.

“The proposed Service Station and convenience store will receive an upgraded appearance from the current store, which has been on the site for over 50 years,” the application states. “Proposed construction materials for the building will likely include brick, board and batten siding, aluminum storefront, glazing, glass and standing seam roof.”

The Richmond Highway widening project and Embark Richmond Highway were taken into consideration by the owners, who say adding more pumps will help make up for other service stations that will be taken by the state for the widening project.

“The Applicant anticipates that due to the nature of the future road improvements planned for Richmond Highway, several of the nearby existing services stations (including ones owned or leased by the Applicant or its affiliates) will be forced to close or reduce the number of pumping stations,” the application states. “This project will benefit from being designed with the Richmond Highway improvements in mind and will meet a continuing need within the corridor for convenience stores and Service Stations to support residents and travelers.”

The application states that the new station will have only one access point from Frye Road. The current station’s setup has two entrances on Frye Road.

County planning staff will now review the application and will eventually release a detailed report on the project. Once that happens, the Fairfax County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make their recommendation. Should the project continue to move forward, the Board of Supervisors would then hold a public hearing and final vote.