DC Station to Open on Fulton Avenue in Northampton on Oct. 4

NORTHAMPTON — Developer Bruce Volz will open a modern fueling station, called DC Station, at 5 Fulton Ave. in Northampton on Oct. 4, providing 10 fast, level-3 charging ports for electric vehicles (EVs) and a place for drivers to grab a cup of coffee or meal while they wait.

The station — named DC for direct current — will also offer a learning hub, EV Base Camp, for those interested in EVs. The grounds will be landscaped with native plants to support local ecosystems and biodiversity. An array of solar panels will cover the charging stations to help defray the cost of the electricity.

“I’m a person who is concerned about the environment and wanted to do something that could have a direct impact,” Volz said, explaining that he hopes to prove there is a need for a well-designed, efficient-to-operate, modern electric fueling station that serves good coffee and food.

Volz seeks tenants for DC Station to join in this enterprise — in particular, a coffee house or café to serve customers from early morning to afternoon, and a casual restaurant, such as a pizza or taco house, that would be open until later in the evening.

Volz began his professional life as a designer and builder of high-end custom wood furniture. In 1991, he and a colleague, Tony Clarke, launched Volz, Clarke & Associates in One Cottage Street in Easthampton. The firm soon shortened its name to VCA and developed a national reputation with their custom furniture and architectural millwork. The business sold to Metrica in 2023, with all 48 employees retained.

As a side project, Volz also developed an award-winning, four-unit residential condominium project, designed by Jones Whitsett Architects, on Grove Street in Northampton in 2016. All units sold as soon as they were available.

The lot housing DC Station was previously the site for a gas station and used car lot, Pleasant Journey. The Planning Board unanimously approved Volz’s project in June 2024.

“Kuhn Riddle Architects and Berkshire Design Group developed a plan to turn a barren parking lot into a vibrant addition to the Northampton gateway district,” Volz said. “This project incorporates many of the city’s sustainability goals. Keiter was hired as the general contractor in 2024 and has since been diligently at work developing the site and constructing a 4,800-square-foot, energy-efficient building.”

The modern DC Station faces Fulton Street, with access to charging and parking on Conz and Pleasant streets; the level-3 chargers supplied by Lynkwell will soon be installed and are expected to be operational on Oct. 4.

“Level 3 are fast chargers that put out more electricity and cut charge time to 30 to 60 minutes,” Volz explained. “It’s really a game changer for people traveling long distances or for those who don’t have access to a home charger.”