The Station Convenience Store in Parkville

The owner’s vision for The Station Convenience Store at Parkville’s western gateway and its design was a mix of forward thinking and practicality. WSKF’s design solution? A linear floor plan that was placed at an angle on the 2.4-acre site to face and embrace the abutting intersecting roadways: Tom Watson Parkway (Highway 45) and NW Brink-Myer Road. The accompanying gas islands were sited, in traditional fashion, between the intersection and the store. However, in keeping with the owner’s vision, the 16 gas islands were covered and sheltered with a translucent tension fabric structure. The fabric-covered canopy design represents WSKF’s commitment to provide both a visionary and practical design. While fabric-covered gas island canopies are more predominate in Europe, they are less common in the United States. It was necessary and important for WSKF to work with the City’s Community Development Department as well as the City’s Planning & Zoning Board to secure approval for this unique design. The 8,500-square-foot convenience store and car wash have already become a talked about landmark at the intersection of Highway 45 and Interstate 435. The main building includes the convenience store, dine-in or takeout pizza, a large walk-in beer cooler and fountain and hot drink area. There’s also an outdoor seating area. Since opening, The Station has experienced success thanks to the owner’s business plan and staff’s day-to-day operation. WSKF’s contribution was a practical, low-maintenance design, meeting the project budget and a focus on energy efficiency.