Automotive Related Buildings
Where classic cars once thrived
I've been aware, for many years now, that I have a secondary identification system for the roads that I regularly drive on. Firstly, I will remember them by name, but the 2nd rung of classification involves any vintage cars that might be on the road. So I think of them like this: "That's old highway 70S to Sparta or the one with all those old farm trucks about halfway there." Anytime I happen to find myself driving a road, I will always look to see if a specific vintage car or truck is still where it's been for X number of years.
ABOVE: 1920's era Pure Oil Service Station at the corner of North Spring and East Morford Streets in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Recently I noticed that I also look for the presents of old automobile-related buildings as well. Service stations and garages in particular. I pay close attention to see if the business that's now in them has changed and if it looks like any remodeling is about to take place.
ABOVE: Sam Shull's Gulf Service Station on Lind Street in McMinnville, Tennessee. Probably built in the late 1940's or early 1950's.
It's pretty common to see a for sale or lease sign in front of these, now over 50-year-old buildings. I find myself making note of the real estate company and then I'll look it up and laugh at the ridiculous prices they want for them.
ABOVE: This was most likely originally built as a Mobile Service Station in the 1960's. It's located across the street from the Gulf station in the previous picture on Lind Street in McMinnville, Tennessee.
While I have no intention of buying one of them, in addition to always being way overpriced they are usually located in urban areas. I always feel like I should look... just in case it has a logical price. They never do!
ABOVE: Hunt Brothers Garage, est 1952. Located at the junction of Tennessee Highways 41 and 53 in Manchester, Tennessee.
The prices are surprising but understandable. Most of these buildings are zoned as commercial structures so they appeal to a different sort of buyer. Business space always goes for a premium.
ABOVE: Located in Quebeck, Tennessee, beside State Route 1, this country general store was built in the 1940's with selling gas in mind.
These kinds of buildings are rarely, if ever, still being used for their original purpose. They are buildings full of that sort of "character" that is popular in my region right now. Small businesses will open up restaurants, salons, dog groomers, antique stores, or vape shops in these well-worn places. It suits their business model and branding.
So while I'd love nothing more than to remodel one and live in the offices and work on my cars in the garage, others are prepared to pay more to keep them as a business. But one of these days, I just might get one!
