by Palm Beach’s only gas-and-service station is one step closer to a major transformation after the Town Council unanimously approved key elements of a long-planned renovation that aims to modernize the site while restoring its historic character.
During its December 10 meeting, the Palm Beach Town Council voted to grant a special exception allowing the expansion of the station’s convenience store, along with a parking variance that permits fewer on-site spaces than normally required under town zoning rules. The approvals clear a critical hurdle for the project, which will rebrand the longtime Grey’s Sunoco station at 340 S. County Road as “Palm Petrol.”
A Longstanding Community Fixture Gets New Life
The gas station, located directly across from Town Hall, is one of the few remaining full-service fuel stations in Palm Beach County. Council members described it as an essential town-serving business that plays a role far beyond simply selling fuel.
Council Member Bridget Moran voiced strong support, saying, “I probably can’t overstate how much I love this project.” Other council members echoed the sentiment, highlighting the station’s daily usefulness to residents navigating ongoing construction across the island.
Ownership and Vision Behind the Project
The property was purchased in March for $11.94 million by a Delaware-based limited liability company named after the site’s address. The company is managed by Armata Holdings Management Corp., which is controlled by real estate investor Alexander Hufty Griswold.
Griswold, who serves on Palm Beach’s Landmarks Preservation Commission and has family ties to the area, told the council the purchase was driven by personal connection. He described the proposal as “near and dear to my heart,” noting that a group of local residents pooled funds to acquire the station once it was rumored to be for sale.
Unlike many stations, Palm Petrol will not be leased to a national fuel operator. Griswold explained, “We are the operators — they’re all our employees, from the mechanics to the guys who pump the fuel.” He added that while full control brings challenges, “it allows us to control quality and allows us to control the experience.”
Architectural Changes Rooted in History
Architect Caroline Forrest of MHK Architecture presented plans that would return the station to its original mid-century modern style from when it was built in 1956. The redesign includes removing Mediterranean-style roof tiles, repainting the building white with green accents, installing paneled windows based on historic photos, and replacing exterior awnings.
The project also expands the convenience store by 1,094 square feet by converting one of the station’s four garage bays into retail space. The added square footage will provide more room for customers and additional rear storage, addressing long-standing operational constraints.
Parking, Landscaping, and Preservation Review
The station’s parking lot will be restriped to formalize existing spaces, another change praised by council members. Council Member Ted Cooney suggested replacing proposed Sylvester palms with royal palms to better match nearby Town Hall landscaping, while emphasizing the station’s value, saying staff have helped him multiple times with tire issues during town construction.
The project now moves to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which will review it on December 17 because the property lies within the Town Hall Square Historic District. Preservation advocates applauded the direction, with Aimee Sunny of the Preservation Foundation stating, “They’re doing a great job of bringing back that architectural character that has been lost.”
Conclusion
With council approval secured, Palm Petrol is poised to modernize Palm Beach’s only gas station while honoring its architectural past. If approved by preservation officials, the project will blend historic design, expanded services, and local ownership into a revitalized community landmark.
CTA
What do you think about the redesign and rebranding of Palm Beach’s only gas station? Should historic preservation play a bigger role in town projects like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
