Built in 1929 by the Barnsdall-Rio Grande Oil Company, the station was designed to stand out along Hollister Avenue—then part of Highway 101—next to the thriving Ellwood Oil Field. Crafted in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it featured white stucco walls, a red tile roof, ornate blue-and-white tile trim, and a distinctive cupola, all reflecting Pearl Chase’s vision for beautifying local civic architecture.
For decades, the station served as both a practical service hub and a beloved local landmark, complete with a bustling café and restaurant. However, after Highway 101 was rerouted in the early 1950s, the building was largely forgotten and eventually closed.
The station briefly returned to the spotlight in 1980 when it appeared in The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Jack Nicholson.
In the 2010s, local historian Tom Modugno spearheaded a preservation campaign, gathering thousands of petition signatures to save the building. In 2015, property owner Ty Warner donated the station and surrounding land to the City of Goleta, reigniting hopes for its restoration and continued preservation.
This Drawing can still be purchased in Digital Format - HERE
Built in 1929 by the Barnsdall-Rio Grande Oil Company, the station was designed to stand out along Hollister Avenue—then part of Highway 101—next to the thriving Ellwood Oil Field. Crafted in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it featured white stucco walls, a red tile roof, ornate blue-and-white tile trim, and a distinctive cupola, all reflecting Pearl Chase’s vision for beautifying local civic architecture.
For decades, the station served as both a practical service hub and a beloved local landmark, complete with a bustling café and restaurant. However, after Highway 101 was rerouted in the early 1950s, the building was largely forgotten and eventually closed.
The station briefly returned to the spotlight in 1980 when it appeared in The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Jack Nicholson.
In the 2010s, local historian Tom Modugno spearheaded a preservation campaign, gathering thousands of petition signatures to save the building. In 2015, property owner Ty Warner donated the station and surrounding land to the City of Goleta, reigniting hopes for its restoration and continued preservation.
This Drawing can still be purchased in Digital Format - HERE
Pencil Drawing
10 x 8 in
Framed Size: 14 x 11 in
Architecture
