Gas station, retail space slated for St. Charles business park

A gas station and multi-tenant shopping center are slated to become the newest developments in a St. Charles business park along Kirk Road.

Aldermen gave a preliminary thumbs-up this week to plans for constructing four commercial buildings in the Legacy Business Center. While surrounding properties largely have manufacturing uses, the new development proposed by property owner J. Trisis Holding, LLC will feature several retail and restaurant spaces, including up to three businesses with drive-thrus, planner Ellen Johnson said.

The government operations committee also supported granting developers a special use to add a gas station and 5,880-square-foot convenience store at the southeast corner of Kirk Road and Legacy Boulevard. The 1.68-acre site would not include a truck center or a car wash.

With few other fueling options along Kirk Road, property owners and city staff members say the gas station will fill a need for motorists, business center employees and customers of the adjacent Goldfish Swim School.

Johnson said it also will serve visitors of the nearby East Side Sports Complex, which is home to youth and adult sports leagues. In addition to hosting practices, games and tournaments for various sports, the facility includes baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts and a skate park.

"I definitely see benefits to this (gas station) location," she said.

Though specific tenants have yet to be determined, city officials said the proposed shops and restaurants nearby could be convenient for kids who need food after practice or for parents waiting around in between games. Alderman Rita Payleitner said she can speak from experience, having raised five children in St. Charles and attended countless games at the sports complex.

"I would have loved to just go someplace for five minutes and get a cup of coffee or something," she said. "I see this as being a very hospitable service."

Developers are expected to submit revised plans within the next month, Johnson said, at which point the city council will vote on the special use and preliminary development plans.