RenovateDSM.com - 203 East Grand - Service Station - Comments

Thank You

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:37:23 -0700

Neja and I, along with our staff, everyone at The Kathedral and the tweeners who will eventually enjoy the "Filling Station," want to thank you for all of your help and support to make this move happen. We especially want to acknowledge everyone at the City of Des Moines for making this difficult task as easy as possible.

This historic Continental station is safely resting in our parking lot, awaiting one final move. Our faith, like many of yours, is set on the lot at 18th and Crocker where Sherman Hill’s original service station was located. As we take additional steps toward accomplishing this goal, we look forward to your additional support.

Pastor Kenney Linhart
901 19th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50314
www.thekathedral.com

Update on the Gas Station Move

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:41:28 -0800

From the December 17, 2009, Des Moines Register:

A historic East Village gas station spared from the wrecking ball earlier this year has yet to find a permanent home and likely will be moved from the neighborhood.

The gas station, which originally sat at 203 E. Grand Ave., was salvaged by residents interested in preserving its history. It's on a temporary site near the former Bud Mulcahy Jeep dealership at East Third and Walnut streets, and its current owner, antiques collector Jerry Bassman, had planned to move the station near the Northland Dairy building at 621 Des Moines St.

That project has stalled, said Mike Kinter of Kinter Construction, who has arranged for the building's move. He said the building will not stay in the area and that a new deal is in the works.

Suggestion

RenovateDSM — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:46:02 -0800

The following message was forwarded to me in response to the Des Moines Register article about this building:

So as not to let the thought grow cold I would like to register an idea with you and the editorial staff. Many ideas undoubtedly have been submitted to preserve the structure. Because of the historical significance and value of the structure, and its location in the East Village, perhaps efforts could be put forth to use it as a VISITOR INFORMATION facility. Many such facilities exist in larger cities with historic neighborhoods. And, the structures are not large, but convenient to the area which they serve.

It think this is a very intriguing idea.

203 East Grand - Service Station

RenovateDSM — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:03:52 -0700

This building was erected in 1931 by Continental Oil as a training station for gasoline dealers. It is architecturally significant because underneath the current exterior paint, the building is terra cotta. It was recently sold to a new owner.

This building is on the DSMRC 2008 list of Des Moines' Seven Most Endangered Buildings.