Gone Forever: Gilmore Gas Station

It's funny, Gilmore Gas Station was a fifteen minute walk from my place, and yet I never heard its name until after it was gone. The lot had been standing vacant for more than a decade by the time I moved to LA in 2003. I only ever knew it as the rusty old art deco gas station on the southwest corner of Willoughby and Highland.

Abandoned Gilmore gas station in Los Angeles California converted into a Starbucks

Built in 1935 by Gilmore Oil, the same company that owns the Farmer's Market on Third and Fairfax, the gas station operated until the early '90s and became a historical landmark in 1992. Its biggest claim to fame is that it appeared in the movie L.A. Story, starring Steve Martin.

I used to pass by the abandoned gas station on the way to work every morning. I always meant to
snap a photo, but today when I happened by for the first time in months, I was shocked to find that it has been converted into a Starbucks. As a person fascinated by abandoned places, I'm sad to see it go, and disappointed that I never got around to taking a picture of it. But I'm also glad to see vacant property return to productive use, especially after two decades of vacancy.

And thanks to the building's status as a historical landmark, the renovations could not involve any drastic changes to its design. I think Starbucks did a pretty decent job with it.

Abandoned Gilmore gas station in Los Angeles California converted into a Starbucks

Every time I drive by that corner I will be reminded not to put off visiting sites like Gilmore Gas station because they might not be there when I finally get around to it.

Take it easy,

Jim

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