ROCHELLE – For the first time in nearly 20 years, travelers along Illinois Route 251 on the north side of Rochelle will have a new option when choosing where to fill up their gas tank, pick up some items, grab a bite to eat and more.
Construction on a new Mobil branded gas station and convenience store is currently underway at the northeast corner of Flagg Road and Illinios Route 251 and the operation is starting to take shape.
The metal frames for the gas station bays were being installed Monday and construction on the building is set to begin this week. Once construction is completed, the new gas station will feature many new amenities.  

“There will be five gasoline dispensers with a separate diesel island, a 6,300-square foot convenience store that will include seating for about 25 people and eventually a quick serve restaurant,” explained Tim Hayden, developer and owner.
Crews have been working through the weather to stay on track with their completion time of early October. The location was chosen because Hayden already owned the lot and traffic patterns have shifted over the years.
“In the last 20 years there has been new construction in Hillcrest, there has been new residential construction west of Rochelle, the high school and a grade school have both moved out west of town. So really there’s just a change in the pattern of traffic as Rochelle has progressed over time,” said Hayden.
The convenience store will include everything that a traditional gas station store offers, but in the future this store has plans for more fresh food options.
“Since Sullivan’s closed there are fewer places to stop in and get basic goods like milk and eggs and for this reason we are in the first stages of trying to have some more farmers market type foods whether it be fresh vegetables or fresher food options than you would see in a typical gas station convenient store,” added Hayden.