Wildwood’s Sinclair Gas Station is Officially Open

Sinclair Gas Station is Officially Open

Those driving down Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood today were in for a treat. After what feels like years of construction, the new Sinclair Gas Station is officially open.

Gas attendants were filling up cars as new flags flew out front indicating to passing cars that they could stop by to fill up.

This project started back in October 2020 when renovation plans for the then-Riggins Gas Station were presented at City Hall.

In those plans, they called to demolish the existing gas station and garage on site and replace the gas tanks underground.

Once replaced, they would build 6 double gas pumps, a building with possibly three storefronts, and plenty of parking in the back.

What made this such a great project was their oath to keep the gas station in the Doo-Wop Mid-Century feel that Rio Grande Avenue has.

Prior to this WaWa, Mcdonald’s and TD bank embraced this by adding in some retro features including neon signs and retro decor

Sinclair Gas Stations was a retro brand from the early 1900s which became a highlight for travelers as they drove across America.

Kids loved Sinclair Gas Stations due to their green dinosaur character named Dino.

He was used in commercials and was featured at every gas station as a statue. Families would take pictures with them and even mark them on a map.

The Riggins family wanted to be sure to include many of Sinclair Gas’ signature retro features so in their designs they added in a retro sign, an old-fashioned pump, and Dino!

Due to the covid-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, construction didn’t get started until Spring 2021. It was their hope to have it done by Memorial Day but much like all the projects on the island, the rising costs of materials caused the project to be postponed.

By Spring 2022 the project was moving once again at full steam. While the main building was being erected the concrete work for the pumps was being filled.

Most of the construction was being documented in our monthly Wildwoods Construction Update videos. You can watch the latest one at the bottom of this article.

A few weeks back one of the storefronts was starting to see action on the inside. Shortly after this, it was revealed that Beef Jerky Experience was leasing the first shop inside the main building.

They held their grand opening in November. This left the final two storefronts open with no indication of what will be taking over its lease.

Many are assuming this will become a mini-mart for the gas station called “Dino Mart” but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.

The only thing missing from the final product is Dino myself. We are told that he will be making his way down the shore soon.

We wish the Riggins family the best of luck with their new gas station. 

The WVA will be sure to feature the new gas station in our January 2023 update video.

Below is the latest Wildwoods Construction Update.