Gas N Wash still a go

Arby’s and Dunkin’ Donut included in development plan

Photo by Ann Gill DIAMOND MAYOR TERRY Kernc outlines the plan for the construction of a Gas N Wash on Route 113 just west of Interstate 55. The development will consist of two buildings—a convenice store and car/pet wash—and fueling stations for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Included within the project are a Dunkin’ Donut and Arby’s restaurant each with drive-thru lanes. Based on the current construction schedule the business could be open by the end of the calendar year.

By: 
Ann Gill
Editor

It’s been almost 1 1/2 years since Diamond Mayor Terry Kernc announced a development plan that would bring a gas station, car wash and convenience store, with a Dunkin’ Donut attached. Word is the project is still progressing and if all goes as planned, the business could be up and running before year’s end. Mokena-based Gas N Wash is set to break ground in the coming weeks on its newest location at Route 113 just west of Interstate 55. The project has been in the works for about three years and required developers to work with both Nicor Gas and Buckeye Partners, who have gas lines running through the property. As of last week, Nicor Gas is scheduled to relocate a 12-inch gas line this week. A project, Kernc has been told, will take about five weeks to complete. “Once they get going [the developers] are not waiting,” the mayor said, noting the car and pet wash will likely be the first of the two planned buildings to go up on the site. The convenice store with fast food eateries, as well as the fuel stations, will follow. Kernc said the project will include an Arby’s restaurant and Dunkin’, each having their own drive thru lanes on either side of the main building. The stand alone car and pet wash will be located on the east side of the property accessible from the Frontage Road. A bridge will be constructed over the Claypool drainage ditch that runs through the site to connect the car wash and convience store. The facility will include fuel stations in the front for passenger vehicles and fueling areas for trucks and buses in the back, “which I think is a good idea,” the mayor said. Access to both fuel stations will be located off Route 113. The front section of the main building leading to the fueling stations will be completely covered so customers are protected from the elements. Kernc said she likes the concept that has been presented and is, “really excited about it.” Gas N Wash has a dozen locations in towns from Yorkville to Bourbonnais, and the company also operates three additional locations in the Joliet area that go under the name Food and Fuel. As previously reported Lenny McEnery and Leon Baine—owner of Diamond Indoor Trap Range—are the pair behind the project. “The good thing is they are quality developers. I have gone and looked at their other locations and they do them very, very well,” Kernc said, adding they have been good to work with.