
Applegreen Sturbridge
Miracles do happen.
When the Dublin, Ireland based fuel/c-store giant looked to develop its first travel plaza format location, it called upon Upland Architects to help. The site was an abandoned Roy Roger’s/ Sbarro location located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts directly accessible off U.S. Interstate 84, a major connector between Hartford, Connecticut and Central Massachusetts.
The challenge.
The project involved an “existing non-conforming” site that required repurposing the existing building to meet the size requirements Applegreen needed for its business model. After completing an existing building survey, Upland discovered that the structure was a pre-engineered metal building with long, low proportions and simple architectural features typical of the 1960 era. Due to its non-conformity, Upland collaborated closely with the town planner, building official, historical commission, and architectural review board to design a building that adhered to the town's regulations while fulfilling Applegreen’s design and operational needs.
The work.
The project scope involved a complete demolition of the building, leaving only the existing steel frame. The structure was then reconstructed with a new façade and architectural elements that blended seamlessly with the historic character of the town. Modern, low-maintenance materials were chosen for durability. Upland and Applegreen’s Dublin based designers collaborated closely to integrate design elements that were in line with Applegreen’s architectural style, ensuring a cohesive global aesthetic across both continents.