Maverik Inc., a North Salt Lake, Utah-based chain of gas stations with convenience stores, plans to develop a new outlet in Spokane, which would be its third in the Inland Northwest.

Brad McDougal, director of real estate for Maverik, says the company hopes to begin in about two months to build a store and gas station at 717 N. Evergreen, at the southwest corner of Evergreen Road and Broadway Avenue. The store is expected to have about 4,200 square feet of floor space.

Maverik has 237 stores in several Western states. McDougal says that the company plans to pursue additional outlets in the Inland Northwest, including in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d'Alene, and Hayden. He says the overall number of new stores will depend on available property.

"We're still pursuing additional Spokane-area sites," he says. "The first two stores we opened were well received, so we'll continue looking."

Maverik's first outlet in the Spokane area opened early this year in the Mead area, at the southeast corner of Day Mount Spokane Road and U.S. 2. A second Maverik store opened about a month ago in Cheney, at the southeast corner of First Street and Betz Road, McDougal says.

A building value isn't listed yet for the Spokane Valley project, says Mike Turbak, permit specialist for the city. Maverik has applied for a permit and has started the process with the city to adjust the property boundary lines at the site. McDougal says the adjustment is needed so the company can build on the entire 1.5-acre site.

"We've got to combine a couple of lots so we can have what we need," he says.

He adds, "We hope to be under construction in the next couple of months. We want that one opened by the end of the year."