By Sara Beth Williams–
Those driving down Auburn Boulevard north toward the city limits may have noticed new signage on an old, vacant gas station and convenience store on the corner of Oak Grove Avenue.
Records show the current owner of 8244 Auburn Blvd., the site of a small gas station and food mart, purchased the property in August of 2022, the city said this week.
The lot has been abandoned and vacant for years, with Google Images from 2018 and onward showing pavement overgrown with weeds. In 2021, the building was boarded up, and shortly afterward, fencing surrounded the gas station.
The property was once home to a Valero gas station, Food Marts, and check cashing. In 2021, the gas station was briefly listed for sale at $850,000.
Moe Alnaggar, a representative for the property at the time, told The Sentinel that he took the property off the market, pending repair work.
The property has long been a source of complaints from residents for bringing a blighted appearance and vagrant activity to the high-traffic boulevard.
Since it’s been purchased in 2022, a building permit for the remodel was filed in November of the same year, according to the city.
Boards on the convenience store’s windows and doors were removed, and the exterior of the building was painted white. Gas station pumps appear to have also been pulled up.
Over the last year, the property received new parking lot restriping and new paint on the gas station canopy. Signage with a new name of “Sparco” has also recently been added.
The new owner submitted plans to the city for the refresh and reopening of the building in March 2026, the city said. The plans are in final review with the city and outside agencies.
There’s no anticipated opening date.
