More caffeine could be on the cards for Dartmouth residents, as a Starbucks or similar establishment may go up in the Big Value plaza off Dartmouth Street.

New owner Donat Aubuchon, who bought the shopping plaza in February, has proposed construction of a free-standing retail building in the parking lot.

Steve Gioiosa, an engineer with SITEC, presented a conceptual map of the proposed site to the Planning Board on June 1. 

He said the building would go in an underused part of the plaza’s parking.

“Nobody ever uses this section of the parking lot,” he said. “We think it’s an ideal place on the property.”

The property was previously owned by the Tatelbaum family, including current Dartmouth Select Board member David Tatelbaum. The family had occupied the site since 1965, when it was home to a Mars Bargainland. Tatelbaum opened Big Value in 1990.

As for what would go into the new building, Gioiosa said he and Aubuchon felt that a business with high-intensity use such as a Starbucks with a drive-thru would be great for the area.

Aubuchon said his immediate plans are to revitalize the appearance of the existing buildings with a new facade to improve business. 

He confirmed all of the plaza’s existing tenants will remain in the plaza, but that Big Value could potentially downsize if the owners of the nearby Planet Fitness decide to expand. 

Planning Board members said they look forward to the project and working with developers as the plans solidify.

“It’s something that’s needed in that particular area,” Board member Margaret Sweet said.

Vice chair Kevin Melo also supported the plan, but noted he would like to see some sidewalk connections and seating in a future plan.

“It’d be nice to get a decent cup of coffee south of Route 6,” he joked.