Gas Station in Montreal Canada for the Standard Oil company (later ESSO) and designed by famous German born Architect Mies van der Rohe

[Gunsmoke]

This should be an interesting topic, with the term "Architecture" used to refer generally to the buildings themselves, whether or not they are attributed to a specific architect. As many know, in the past, as in the present, many buildings, both of a very common construction and exceptional construction, were built by "Master Builders', often without any architect of record involved.  Some of the lovely buildings shown so far, including the Rockingham Motor Co. building appear to have been very carefully designed and detailed by Architects.

 

As a graduating Architect in 1970, I was aware of the construction at that time of a Gas Station in Montreal Canada for the Standard Oil company (later ESSO) and designed by famous German born Architect Mies van der Rohe. It is/was often referred to as the world's most beautiful gas station! Here is a short summary and a couple of photos. I understand the station closed in 2008 and the Historical Registered building is presently used for seniors and youth community activities.

 

Description from WIKI

Nun's Island is part of the Hochelaga archipelago located immediately southwest of Montreal. It's urbanization followed the opening of the Champlain bridge in 1962 under an ambitious master plan carried out by Metropolitan Structures, a real estate giant who had built numerous projects in Chicago with the collaboration of Mies van der Rohe. The new community included three high rise apartment buildings by Mies' office and it led, in 1966, to a commission from Standard Oil to design a prototypical gas station.

 

The station consists of two distinct volumes, one for car servicing and the other for sales, with a central pump island covered by a low steel roof that unifies the composition. The beams and columns were made of welded steel plates painted black that contrast with the white enameled steel deck and bare fluorescent tubes. Over the years, the interiors have been modified to incorporate a car wash on the sales side, the finishes, built-in furniture and equipment have been replaced and the custom made pumps removed.

Edited January 16, 2023 by Gunsmoke (see edit history)

[herovtret]

The building was meticulously restored and repurposed into a community center known as “La Station,” catering to both seniors and youth. The senior group occupies the larger volume for various activities, while the smaller volume serves as a gathering place for teenagers. Save on SolidWorks 2020 Premium with online exclusive discounts today. The restoration included repairing the corroded curtain wall, repointing the brickwork, and repainting the structure. Moreover, the center now utilizes sustainable energy solutions like geothermal wells.

Edited April 3 by herovtret (see edit history)