Sleeping in a Gas Station? Sure!

You see it quite often. A run-down former gas station sitting empty along one of the main roads through town. Often, it’s pumps have been removed long ago, but the structure remains. Decaying, rotting, slowly falling apart as the years go by.

Most small communities have one of these. Likely, it’s a former “mom and pop” station that failed when the highway bypass was constructed. Or it folded when a new chain of gas stations opened up down the street.

Due to the potential cleanup costs in relation to the old underground tanks, these sites are likely the among the least likely to receive consideration for redevelopment. They are also tough to fill with other businesses as the buildings and even the site layouts are not idea for retail.

However, there’s not one, but two of these old stations in Cawker City Kansas that breaks that mold. Yes, Cawker City, home of the largest ball of twine in the world. But it is also home to the Old Station Inn, just across the street from that massive ball. Old Station Inn is a former gas station from the 1930’s that was falling into significant disrepair to the point of dilapidation.

But that’s where Bill and Pam Brummer stepped in. They had their eye on a piece of property in town. But that property came with the adjoining shell of a former gas station.

Old Station Inn – Courtesy Bill and Pam Brummer

With the roof leaking, the walls rotting, and no electrical service (ever) the building was a wreck. It was hardly worth the rebuild. Yet Pam and Bill could not be told otherwise. They shored up the walls, tore out and replaced the concrete floor, and installed new utilities. The whole building received a new lease on life, while keeping the 30’s era architecture that completes the look.

But they didn’t stop there. The couple went on to purchase the 1950’s era gas station across the street as well. This building was also considered by many as bulldozer-ready. Yet it too received a full rebuild and became a mini-motel as well.

Red Crown Inn Under Renovation – Courtesy Bill and Pam Brummer

The toughest part of the process was to keep their original architectural style. It’s that original charm that draws people to them. From the original architectural detailing, all the way down to the era-appropriate gas pumps that have been rebuilt by Bill Brummer and installed in the same locations as the originals.

Red Crown Inn – Courtesy Bill and Pam Brummer

Neither station is that big. It’s not designed for a large family or group outing. But they both sit within throwing distance of the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Often causing tourists to pan their camera around to these well-restored buildings. These two little inns also sit along the historic US Highway 24 that runs through a number of Midwest states. Waconda Lake is also just outside of town. Hence these two motels draw the interests of tourists, fishermen, recreationalists and hunters alike.

So, are Bill and Pam Brummer done? Not at all. They are currently renovating a downtown building into a live/work unit. The couple is also planning the development of a travel plaza.

This very active duo also recently purchased an old Valentine Diner that was located in Smith Center and moved it to town. Though it too is need of a great deal of TLC, they plan on making it yet another of their commercial ventures in this small town. They envision opening it up as a spot to catch some breakfast. Another niche in the local economy that they feel needs more attention.

This Valentine Diner is on the renovation list. – Courtesy Bill and Pam Brummer

So, what’s the lesson here? There’s a couple.

   1. Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder – Creative Reuse

Both properties were in such bad condition that most people would lean towards demolishing the relics, favoring the weed patch of an empty lot to a dilapidated building. Yet, the Brummers saw a future for these two structures. No, not their original use, the days of the “mom and pop” gas stations are long gone. But their minds churned to a new use that filled a need for the community.

Now these two properties contribute more to the tax rolls of the community and provide a nostalgic lodging opportunity for those who visit the small community of Cawker City. Considering that those who stay overnight in a community spend more than those just passing through, these mini inns are a nice addition to the economic base of this town of under 500 residents.

   2. Latch on and Don’t Let Go

They haven’t received much assistance from the community in their endeavors. But they likely haven’t asked for much. Yet this couple is exactly what many communities need. Residents with a fire, with a gusto to make something unique. To fill a missing niche in your community’s economic base.

Celebrate these individuals. Support them however you can. Many communities yearn for such energy to bring life to a struggling downtown. When you have this opportunity, help them help you.

So, if you happen to be in the central Kansas area and are looking for a place to stay. I’d check out one of the inns that Bill and Pam Brummer offer at the Waconda Springs Guest House website. Who knows, the nostalgia may soak in and spark your imagination about creative reuse of buildings in your own community.