This Burgert photo was taken in 1935 as the Seminole Service Station was being completed. It followed a trend of high-pitched roof Tu­dor revival style architecture popularized by Seaboard Oil Company. An ad appeared on October 20, 1937, in the Tampa Times, selling the station as a business opportunity for $300. By November 3, the price had dropped to $250. In 1946, it was known as Miller’s Service Station and was for sale again in 1949 for an unknown price. It was purchased and renamed R.D. Hower and Sons in 1950, and in 1951, was once again for sale. In the 1970s, the building housed Colonial Motors, a used car lot, and by 1978, reverted to car repair as Quality Auto Air.

The Independent Bar and Café, one of the original craft beer houses in Tampa, opened shop in 2009.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved