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From Eyesore to Opportunity: Century’s Main Intersection May See New Life
July 30, 2025
“It’s an eyesore, and it’s right there on Highway 29 in the middle of town.”
That’s how Century Mayor Ben Boutwell describes one and a half acres at the corner of Highway 29 and East Highway 4 — at Century’s one and only red light.
Once the home of the Southern Panhandle Restaurant and a gas station, the property was sold in May 2022 to North Century Boulevard, LLC of Fairhope, Alabama. The buildings are falling into disrepair, and portions of the property are overgrown.
“I reached out to (Mr.) Patel a while back and he said he was about to put the property on the market because he could not get the approvals he needs from FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation),” Boutwell said. The company hoped to build a new convenience store on the property, and that would require approvals from FDOT.
Boutwell contacted Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman, and led to a meeting over coffee on Tuesday in Pensacola.
Boutwell, Salzman and company officials sat down to look at the plans — and work on a solution with FDOT on the phone.
The company is now hopeful that the plans will move forward for a new convenience store with both gas and diesel, including pumps for semi trucks. The plans also include full convenience store amenities like food and drinks, and it is anticipated that the building will have three additional storefront spaces that can be leased to other businesses.
“It’s great potential economic development for the area, and I think it will do well,” Boutwell said.
The development, which is located in Century’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area, would provide jobs and bring new revenue to the town, including gas tax funds.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
17 Responses to “From Eyesore to Opportunity: Century’s Main Intersection May See New Life”
What about a Buckee’s?! That would be fantastic!
Let’s go nostalgic and tasty: bring back Shakey’s pizza and chicken wings in the old burger king.. it’s only wishful thinking.
“Could not get necessary approvals from FDOT.”
The main reason progress is so slow in this country. All state and federal agencies drag their feet continually, kicking the can down the road. I know a new business that’s been waiting weeks for final inspection & permit to serve food. I’d just start serving and pay the fine. None of these agencies care that people have money invested in these businesses they are paying interest on. However, it is amazing how fast Dollar Generals are built and approved and open for business with no delays.
I agree with Brenda
They/ we need something where the old Burger King use to be . I appreciate Ben working getting things done . BBQ or fish establishment… chicken … something . Us folks need more options for dinner and supper not to mention breakfast . Anyway we appreciate all the folks trying to upgrade this area
I wish something would come to Burger King. We need more places to eat.
Good to see Ben working to improve our community
One vote for Raisin’ Canes.
I would be so happy to see something put there. I just can-t believe what an eyesore it has become, I would love to see Century come back from the dead and I know it can happen with the good mayor and councilman we have,
There is a strong need for an electric vehicle charging facility.
It could be part of that convenience store and store-front scheme. Charging still takes time…45 minutes or more, so local restaurants (Yes, a revitalized Burger King too) like Whataburger, The Sandwich Deli, even Vallarta could benefit.
A crosswalk to the CVS Pharmacy would be needed (if not already there). Sidewalks? What Century doesn’t need is a convenience store that features over-the-counter unregulated new “drugs”, etc. like I’m seeing elsewhere.
Think in terms of moving local culture ^ up, not v down…no “easy loan” stores, etc.
BRING BACK BURGER KING
JS, I would reach out to the county about that one. They should be able to send code enforcement out. I agree, that trailer has been nothing but problems!
Excited to see these businesses cleaned up! Hopefully they’ll still let people hawk their produce there.
Good deal Mr Mayor
So why not make them clean it up in the meantime !
What’s an eyesore, and safety hazard is that trailer on the side of old FLOMATON Rd and what’s being done about it Nothing even though they was told by code enforcement to move it a yr ago…. Had a piece of it come off and about hit my vehicle during that storm.
All that needs is a quality gas station like a Casey’s General Store with some diesel pumps for big rigs and iteould do great. There’s plenty of traffic that travels through Century. Plus, a ton of fatming truck traffic from all the pranut farms off of state rd 4
I am just surprised no company has realized the opportunity.
Good deal. Let’s see something “POSITIVE” happen in Century. Let’s see how it pans out.
Bout time.