Unique Auto Dealer Building in Springfield, Illinois

Vintage auto dealer architecture
Gas station office on NE corner View from NE Closeup of showroom entry

This former auto dealer complex was built in the 1920s as a Cadillac, LaSalle and Oldsmobile franchise. The main showroom wing has the ambiance of a church complete with a choir loft and timber framed cathedral ceiling. It had to make a very classy impression in its day. After the dealership no longer used the building, the showroom became a wedding chapel for a time. The large service department wing is still used today as an independent auto service garage. The triangle shaped gas station building on the corner was part of the dealer business, as was common in the 1920s. The showroom and gas station office are used today by an antique store.
The building is located at S. Fifth St. and Cook St. in Springfield, Illinois. Only a block away is the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Dana-Thomas home, considered the finest example of Wright's prairie school architecture. We stayed at the enjoyable Inn at 835, a B&B inn, another block away to the southwest. A visit to Springfield should also include the awesome Lincoln Museum and Shea's Route 66 Gas Station Museum. See map link below.

Click on images for a larger version
View from SE showing service entrance View from N showing gas station office Closeup of front facade

[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map of 711 S 5th St
Springfield, IL 62703-2305


Photos and Web page by Jim Potts
Copyright © 2006 All rights reserved

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