Petroleum Urbanism
“When I first did the book on gasoline stations, people would look at it and say, Are you kidding or what?”
Edward Ruscha
Gas stations imply freedom. Americanism and the open road.
Pop artist Ed Ruscha figured it out in 1963 when he published a book about them.
He took a famous picture of a Standard Oil station in Amarillo, Texas.
One year later, he translated his photograph into an American masterpiece.
It was a helluva time for petroleum. In 1960 Gin Wong designed Jack Colker’s Union 76 Gas Station in Beverly Hills.
Around the same time Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy, CA got its neon upgrade.
A drive through the Mojave desert to see the sign at night should be an American rite of passage.
Neighborhoods change with time, and like a receding tide, sometimes reveal mid-century gas station treasures.
These compact buildings have personality, heritage, purposeful awnings, and often occupy choice corner land parcels - wonderful souls for reincarnation.
Atlantans Clay Harper and Mike Nelson have been converting gas stations and service stations to pizza and taco joints since 1982 - creating a petroleum/slice empire that now affords homes in France.
Matt and Carrie Eddmenson created Imogene + Willie, a selvedge denim and vibes business, in a former Nashville gas station.
The Americana fashion brand’s global notoriety can be traced to its humble petroleum beginnings.
The building is intertwined with the brand - a brand cool enough to warrant a Billy Strings collaboration.
No way Billy would’ve put his name on a brand that started in a Dollar Tree.
Larry Maguire is a cool cat - an Austin-based restaurateur, hyper-talented designer, and style arbiter. His influence ranges from athletic-wear brand Outdoor Voices to bohemian luxury retailer ByGeorge to New Orleans’ Hotel Saint Vincent.
No surprise his latest creation, a new iteration of Clark’s Oyster Bar, is a former service station - tarted up Wes Anderson-style.
Striped awnings and teak.
McGuire creates timeless neighborhood anchors - light work for mid-century gas stations.
What’s next for petroleum urbanism?
Buc-ee’s is a roadside petroleum carnival. As most retail evolves into a sea of sameness, Buc-ee’s is a shining beacon of vivid capitalism. 100+ pumps on 15+ acres+ and multiplying across the Sunbelt.
The brisket sandwiches are passable, too.
Stuffed animals by the truckload.
Evidence it’s made its way into the American zeitgeist: a rogue art installation in Far West Texas.
America would be less American without its gas stations - embrace them (at least the old ones).
Thanks to reader Matt L. for suggesting this issue’s topic.
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