Fire-damaged store may reopen

CARROLLWOOD -- A convenience store in the Village Corners shopping center that was gutted by fire two years ago could be back in business soon under new ownership.

The 5,000-square-foot store will be leased by Marathon Gas and will sell limited grocery items, beer and high-end wines, said Pauline Pappas, an agent with Pappas Retail Leasing in St. Petersburg.

"It's going to be a really neat store," she said.

The new store may also open with a flashy new look. Pappas said Marathon Gas wants to replace the wood canopy that covers the gas pump with a sign sporting bright lights and colors.

She could not say exactly when the store will open, but suggested that Marathon could seal the deal as early as this week.

Situated in the heart of Carrollwood Village, Village Corners is close to many homes. It features a wood roof and European style that blends with neighborhood architecture.

John Miley, who chairs a homeowners' architecture committee, warned that some residents would object to a high-intensity lighted sign. "If they come in here and attempt a Dale Mabry Highway type of coloring for their pumps, there will be a very passionate reaction from the homeowners associations," he said.

The convenience store at 4550 W Village Drive has been vacant since it burned on March 22, 2000. The cause of that fire is undetermined.

State fire investigator Donnie Campbell said it started in a wastebasket in the men's restroom just before closing time. But Campbell said he could not tell if the fire was intentionally set or if a customer flicked a cigarette in the wastebasket before closing time.

-- Tim Grant can be reached at 269-5311 or at grant@sptimes.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright