Severe rainstorms that swept through Southern California in recent weeks severely damaged a part of the historic Cucamonga Service Station, aka Richfield Gas Station, on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., reported the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Ed Dietl founded the Historical Preservation Association of Rancho Cucamonga, and the city designated the abandoned gas station a historical landmark. But then misfortune struck:
Dietl and many others invested in the preservation of Route 66 have been dealt a major blow. During the recent storms, the back building that once served as a service garage caved in. The sheet metal roof couldn’t hold the rainwater and collapsed.
“I’m really disappointed that this happened but I’m still excited about the opportunity to save it,” Dietl said.
The gas station, characterized by its signature square columns in front of the garage, was not damaged.
The property’s owner, Lamar Advertising, has asked the city permission to raze the rain-damaged structure. However, city planning director James Troyer said he thought the building could be saved.
Dietl wants to buy the building, and develop it and adjacent property into a local history museum and gift shop. However, Dietl doesn’t have the funds. But the city is negotiating to possibly buy the property.
Dietl has launched a website, Route 66 S.O.S., or Save Our Station.
(Hat tip: Delvin Harbour)