Whitehill-Gleason Motors, Automotive historic site in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, United States.
Whitehill-Gleason Motors is an automotive service building in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, designed in the early 1920s with Early Commercial and Art Deco architectural features. The structure at 5815 Baum Boulevard was created by architect Maximilian Nirdlinger and housed repair and maintenance operations for automobile owners.
The site was home to the nation's first drive-in gas station, built by Gulf Refining Company in 1913. The current building was constructed in the 1920s at this same location, expanding the services available to automobile owners.
The building shows how auto repair shops looked and functioned in the early 1900s, offering a window into daily automotive life of that era. It reflects how Pittsburgh adapted its services to serve a growing number of drivers.
The building sits on Baum Boulevard in the East Liberty neighborhood and is easily accessible from the main street. The facade is visible from the road, making it straightforward to locate and observe the architectural details.
The original Gulf station introduced an innovative approach by offering gasoline, oil, maintenance services, and road maps all in one location. This model transformed how drivers could service their vehicles in a single visit.
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