Love’s Travel Stop & Country Store

FCE worked in conjunction with a client to bring a Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store to an 11.5-acre site by combining two lots adjoining Vine Street, Schoolhouse Road, and Dogwood Lane. Previously a vacated farmstead with rolling topography, the lot was located near an undeveloped section off of a PA Route 283 ramp. The lot was granted a commercial zoning status and development was a go. The improvements developed on the site included:

• 16 pump fuel islands (both car and diesel trucks) separated by a central access building that houses a Love’s Country Store, Subway, and McDonald’s Restaurant complete with rest and shower facilities for truck drivers.
• A truck tire service center located separately on the site.
• Parking is provided separately for travelers (cars and small trucks) in the front and for trailer trucks in the rear.

Design challenges centered on balancing topography to allow vehicular and pedestrian access road circulation. Due to the use and parking on the site, it was necessary to use sub-surface stormwater management in conjunction with surface rain gardens and wildflower slopes. FCE was able to preserve existing wetlands and trees using a retaining wall system. Land development approvals were secured within six months, but client driven revisions and state NPDES approvals extended the process. FCE also worked with Londonderry Township and PA American Water to bring new water service to the site.