The long-awaited travel plaza complex in west Emporia looks to be moving forward after years of delayed development.

The lot, located at the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 50 and Graphics Art Road, is set for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, with construction set to begin next Wednesday, according to Brownstone 3 Development LLC CEO John E. Brown.

The 12,000-square-foot plaza, operating under the Pilot name, will still retain many of its original intended features.

Brown says the complex will feature 14 gas pumps and 10 diesel pumps, a hotel, and a food court that will include a Starbucks location. He also noted that the originally planned upscale RV park, equipped with cabanas and a pool, has been cancelled.

Brown is shooting for a 6-7 month construction period for the plaza,

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