The former Standard Oil Service Station, located at 2439 4th Street South in St. Petersburg, is a notable example of early 20th-century automotive architecture. Constructed in 1926, this 325-square-foot masonry building features a distinctive hip roof and was among the first service stations in the area, reflecting the burgeoning automobile culture of the era. Today, it is the southernmost Standard Oil Station in the U.S.
Over the decades, the station underwent various transformations, serving multiple purposes before falling into disrepair. In 2019, Robert Blackmon, a real estate developer and former St. Petersburg City Council member, purchased the neglected property with a vision to restore and repurpose it. Recognizing its historical significance, Blackmon initiated efforts to have the building designated as a local landmark.
In May 2023, the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved the designation of the former Standard Oil Service Station as a local historic landmark, with Preserve the ‘Burg speaking in support.
The landmark designation not only acknowledges the building's architectural and historical importance but also facilitates its adaptive reuse. Plans are underway to transform the restored structure into a coffee shop, preserving its historical essence while providing a functional space for the community.
