Buc-ee’s, the Texas travel center chain famed for cavernous stores, spotless bathrooms and a relentless supply of beaver-branded merch, is zeroing in on Mansfield. City and county leaders say the company is pursuing a massive travel center at the I-71 and Ohio 39 interchange that could top 70,000 square feet, offer more than 100 fueling positions and bring upward of 200 full-time jobs.
Annexation Petition Moves the Plan Forward
The first big step is already on the books. A petition to annex roughly 110.757 acres from Madison Township and 1.781 acres from Mifflin Township into Mansfield was filed recently, a procedural move that would let the city rezone and sell the land to Buc-ee’s, according to Richland Source. Mansfield City Council could take up the annexation on March 17, and trustees in the affected townships are expected to consider the request the same month, the outlet reported. If those local votes go Buc-ee’s way, county commissioners would then acknowledge the petition, and the city would face a 60-day waiting period before the land transfer could be finalized.
What Buc-ee’s Would Look Like
Local officials and company representatives have framed the proposal as a 24-hour destination, not just a highway gas stop, with in-house barbecue, baked goods, a large gift shop and Buc-ee’s trademark retail floor, according to reporting by Ashland Source. Early planning materials point to a building larger than 70,000 square feet and more than 100 fueling pumps. The company has urged some patience, though, saying “we still have some work to do before closing on the property,” Ashland Source reported.
Infrastructure and Timeline
City engineers say the project would tie into Mansfield’s existing water and sewer systems, while the Ohio Department of Transportation would likely design upgrades at the I-71 and Ohio 39 interchange to handle a surge in traffic, according to Richland Source. If everything stays on schedule, officials estimate construction could start later this year and take about 15 to 18 months once crews get to work, the outlet reported.
Where This Fits in Buc-ee’s Ohio Push
The Mansfield plan is part of a bigger Ohio play. Buc-ee’s is preparing to open its first store in the state this spring in Huber Heights near Dayton, and the company has already been holding mass-hiring events. Local officials say that debut location is on track for an April opening, according to WLWT. That project has been viewed as a preview of Buc-ee’s broader Ohio rollout as the chain scouts additional sites around the state.
Local Leaders Say the Payoff Could Be Big
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry has called the potential deal “an ideal opportunity for everyone,” and local leaders say payroll and sales tax revenue could see a serious bump if the project gets the green light, according to Ashland Source. Economic development officials told reporters they expect a Buc-ee’s at the interchange to act as a magnet for additional commercial projects in the area.
The plan has also drawn attention from regional business media, including coverage by Crain's Cleveland Business. Residents and business owners will want to keep an eye on upcoming township, city and county meeting agendas for the next official steps in the review process.
