Victorville, California is set to welcome a brand-new Maverik travel center, marking one of the first locations in Southern California for the Utah-based chain. Approved by the City of Victorville Planning Commissioners on March 9, 2022, this Maverik location promises to be a comprehensive stop for fuel, food, and travel necessities, catering to both local residents and those passing through. Known for its adventure-themed convenience stores, Maverik aims to offer a unique and convenient experience for travelers and the Victorville community alike.
Strategically positioned in the northwest corner of Nisqualli and Mariposa Roads, the new Maverik travel center will be conveniently located just off the northbound on-ramp of Interstate 15 (I-15) and adjacent to the Nisqualli Bridge overpass. This puts it directly across from the First Assembly of God church, making it easily accessible for both highway travelers and local traffic.
What to Expect at the New Maverik Travel Center
The Victorville Maverik travel center is designed to be a full-service destination. The plans include a spacious 9,082 square foot convenience store that will sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. Adding to the convenience, a drive-thru restaurant will also be part of the facility. Reflecting similar offerings found at other travel centers like the Pilot Travel Center in Hesperia, this Maverik will operate around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fueling options will be extensive, accommodating both passenger vehicles and semi-trucks. The center will feature dedicated fueling islands for each, along with certified truck scales and a practical RV dump station, making it a truly versatile stop for all types of travelers. Project plans detail six automobile fueling islands, each equipped with four pumps, all sheltered under a substantial 10,000 square foot canopy. For commercial trucks, a separate 5,000 square foot canopy will cover eight fueling islands, accessible via nine one-way lanes.
Location and Accessibility Details
Access to the Maverik travel center will be primarily from Mariposa Road, with two driveways planned. Due to the overpass structure, there will be no direct access point from Nisqualli Road. To manage traffic flow and ensure safety, particularly concerning access to the adjacent church, Mariposa Road will see the addition of a new median and striping. This will facilitate left-hand turns into both the travel center and the First Assembly of God church, minimizing potential traffic conflicts.
(Image showing planned left turn lanes on Mariposa Road for the new Maverik Travel Center in Victorville.)
The 5.22-acre site, previously vacant land, was acquired in October 2020 for $5.3 million, highlighting the area’s growing appeal and development. The location is part of a rapidly expanding section of Victorville. The Nisqualli/La Mesa overpass itself has been a significant development, opening in 2013 and improving connectivity in the area. Interestingly, plans for another fueling station, a Beyond One convenience store, were announced nearby in 2016 for the corner of Balsam Avenue and Nisqualli Road.
Navigating Local Development and Policy
The development of fueling stations in this area has a history. When Beyond One initially proposed its station in 2016, the immediate vicinity lacked fueling options. However, the proposal faced considerable opposition from the First Assembly of God church, primarily due to concerns about potential increases in crime related to alcohol sales. Since then, the landscape has changed, with a Circle K opening in 2019 at Nisqualli and Balsam, and a Shell station in 2022 at Nisqualli Road and Mariposa Road. The Beyond One project is now under construction, making the Maverik facility potentially the fourth fueling station in this immediate area once completed.
In response to the increasing number of gas stations and car washes, the Victorville Planning Commission approved a new policy in January 2022 to guide the placement of such businesses. This policy, therefore, applies to the new Maverik travel center and includes key principles such as preferring a maximum of two gas stations at any intersection, requiring a minimum distance of 300 feet from residential zones (unless properly mitigated for noise, traffic, and glare), and mandating market research studies for all Conditional Use Permit applications for gas stations. According to staff assessments, the Maverik project design and proposed operations are in compliance with this new Municipal Code.
Maverik: More Than Just a Travel Stop
Adding to the area’s growth, a large 212-unit multi-family apartment complex is also under consideration for development behind the Beyond One site, indicating significant residential expansion in the vicinity. For those unfamiliar with Maverik, the company is a significant player in the travel center and convenience store sector. According to their website, Maverik operates over 380 locations across 12 western states, positioning it as the largest independent fuel marketer in the Intermountain West.
Maverik distinguishes itself with its “BonFire™ food,” emphasizing fresh, daily preparation in each store. They are known for providing value on fuel, drinks, and snacks, along with exclusive food offerings like gourmet burritos, sandwiches, pizzas, toasted subs, cookies, and globally sourced coffee blends. While no groundbreaking date has been announced yet for the Victorville location, the approval signals a significant step forward in bringing this adventure-themed Maverik travel center to Southern California and the growing Victorville community.
