Wawa Will Break Ground on New State College Store
The convenience retailer will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility on W. Aaron Dr. on October 20.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Wawa will host a groundbreaking ceremony on October 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a new store located at 169 W. Aaron Dr. in State College. The site, formerly an auto dealership, will feature a 5,330-square-foot store and six fueling islands.
Why it matters
This opening represents a significant step in the company's broader expansion strategy to establish 10 locations across Centre County and surrounding areas by 2031. The project follows site plan approvals granted by the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors in December 2025.
The new facility will occupy 5,330 square feet and include six fueling islands at the site of a former auto dealership. Wawa currently operates more than 1,200 stores across 14 states and Washington, D.C.
The players
Wawa
Wawa is an American chain of convenience stores and fuel stations based in Pennsylvania that operates over 1,200 locations.
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors
This local government body holds the authority to approve site plans and regulate land development within Ferguson Township.
The details
Access to the store will be provided via Aaron Drive, Bergman Boulevard, and a right-in/right-out point on Atherton. Following concerns from residents in the Overlook Heights neighborhood, Wawa agreed to contribute to potential costs if Aaron Drive is converted to one-way traffic.
Timeline
December 2025: Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors approved the site plans.
October 20, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
2031: Target completion date for 10 area store locations.
Market Landscape
The groundbreaking marks a key milestone in the company's expansion plan for 10 locations in Centre County by 2031. This development follows a pattern of Wawa aggressively growing its retail footprint to compete for market share in new regional territories.
Residents in the Overlook Heights neighborhood may see changes to traffic patterns near the site, including potential road adjustments on Aaron Drive. The store will provide local access to new fueling options and convenience retail once construction is completed.
The takeaway
The addition of this Wawa location reflects a larger trend of retail expansion into local Pennsylvania markets. Residents should expect continued oversight from township officials regarding traffic management as construction progresses.
Further reading
For more on local developments, visit the State College Openings & Closings section.
More information
To register for the event, visit the VIP Customer event registration form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by StateCollege.
Live Poll
Should local officials approve new convenience stores despite resident concerns about increased neighborhood traffic?
