Pete's Corp. has closed on southwest roundabout corner but isn't announcing any plans for it

Shane Burns confirms this week that sale of properties he combined for a big development on the southwest corner of the roundabout has closed.

Pete’s Corporation, which operates convenience stores predominantly in southeast Kansas, is the new owner of 14 lots. They are west of Centennial Street and north of Tracy Street.

Last month, most of Elliott Street in that location was vacated to facilitate a large development.

City Administrator Carl Francis said at the time that the new owner had no immediate plans for the land.

Burns, of Burns Investments, agreed that Pete’s officials have told him they just plan to sit on any project for now. He speculated the rising price of gas may have something to do with that decision.

Pete’s has purchased and now operates three convenience stores in Carthage and one in Carl Junction. There is a large Pete’s on the north side of Parsons, Kan., where the corporation is based.

Burns announced his purchase of 10 of the properties and his intention to market them as one unit in 2021.

He has since cleared the lots and built a 12-plex at 601 Tracy St. (northeast corner of Tracy and Centennial streets).

He previously combined lots on South Madison Street for Whataburger.

Now, you may be noticing there are just a few vehicles on Burns’ car lot, X-Treme Powersports, at Madison and 13th streets. Stay tuned for who is buying that property, he says.