Arlington Hts. gas station plans waiting on buyer

The petroleum giant BP is seeking a buyer who will build and operate a gas station, convenience store and car wash at the site of the former Higgley's Restaurant and a gas station on the northwest corner of Arlington Heights and Algonquin roads.

Scott Dean, a spokesman for BP, said he could not predict how long it would take to get an agreement with someone who will sell BP products and operate an ampm convenience mart as part of the complex.

Plans for the station with seven fueling islands, a 2,900-square foot store and a car wash were approved by the Arlington Heights Village Board last May.

A building permit has been issued, said Walter Hainsfurther, president of Kurtz Associates Architects in Des Plaines, which worked on the project.

Higgley's and the gas station both closed in 2006, and the buildings have not yet been demolished.

At the time the plans were approved last year, Mayor Arlene Mulder called the corner "a gateway to our village" and said the sooner something was built there the better.