Equipment at 1600 West Valley Boulevard demolished the old Chevron Station on Monday, August 7, making room for a new Chevron Station with new amenities, additional gas pumps, a car wash and new retail opportunities for owner Salah Haggag. “We’ve waited a long time for this” said Haggag, “all the way back to when work began on the realignment of Valley Boulevard. We’re ready to build a new building and bring new business and synergy to the area near the Arrowhead Regional Center (ARMC).
“After so many years of waiting for the (Delhi Sands Flower-Loving) Fly habitat mitigation an issues with the realignment an the widening of I-10 and the Pepper Avenue Bridge, this area is ready to grow,” Supervisor Josie Gonzales commented to the ceremony attendees.“ Today, we lay the cornerstone for a foundation of exciting projects that will benefit the residents of Colton and all who visit ARMC.”
Haggag, 32, watched as comments and congratulations were offered and as the old gas station building was demolished. So did his mother, Fatima Radwan, but with a bit more emotion; “My husband and I bought this building over 30 years ago and I remember helping him lay the floor tile inside the building.” Though her memories are bittersweet, she said she is very proud of her son and is anxious to see a beautiful new building where the old one once stood.
Mayor Pro Tem David Toro, Council Member of the District, recalled some of the long history of the area and the project. “I have had a vision for this area since 2006. Since then, we’ve had about 4 different Mayors, and several City Managers. A lot had to happen for this project to become a reality. This project, and the others here at Valley and Pepper will open up this entire area—this is a really exciting time and we are all ready for it!”
The new Chevron Station is anticipated to open in January, 2018. Project plans call for the new service station, a 60-foot express car wash tunnel with free vacuums upon exiting the wash tunnel, and 6 new fuel dispensers under a new Chevron canopy. A 3,000 square foot new convenience stories is planned with additional space dedicated to a small sandwich or pizza shop inside the store. The project will also create a drive-through pad for an additional quick service restaurant on the corner of Valley and Pepper.