Rainey Cawthon Distribution (RCD) needed to expand its fuel distribution capacity in the Big Bend area while strengthening regional fuel supply resilience during hurricanes and other emergencies. To meet this need, we designed a new bulk fuel storage facility on a 5.51-acre site at 4305 Shelfer Road in Tallahassee, Florida, zoned C-2 General Commercial and M-1 Light Industrial.
We developed the grading, drainage, stormwater and building systems for the project. Because the site sits within a closed basin, we designed a grading plan that directs runoff to a stormwater pond fed by Type C inlets connected to mitered end sections. The sidewalk adjacent to the 1,950-square-foot office building was graded to a slope below 2% to satisfy ADA requirements, and parking was sized at one space per 250 square feet of office area, per City of Tallahassee code. Truck circulation was laid out to support safe, efficient movement while preserving space for future expansion. We minimized environmental disturbance by maintaining natural drainage patterns and limiting unnecessary site clearing.
Through close coordination with RCD, our final design met all applicable city codes, stayed within budget and added 45,000 gallons of fuel storage capacity. The completed facility improves truck access, supports RCD’s operational and long-term maintenance goals and strengthens Tallahassee’s fuel supply infrastructure.