Memories of a 70 year old petrol station.

Last Sunday (2008-03-02) an epoch finished as the petrol station OKQ8 Gärdet or OKQ8 Värtavägen ceased its commerce. The building was built in 1938 and has been the home of several petrol stations, among them BP, IC, OK and OKQ8. I have worked here on and off since the mid- 90’s, between jobs, when I studied and so fourth. I must say that I feel a little sad as I always liked working here, sure the station is a bit a run down and there is much need for repairs but the place has a built in charm, such as only old buildings can have.

As I did my last day I took a few photos to remember it by, and found that I hadn’t really seen the beauty of the building before. As I said it was built in 1938 and there are still a lot of original details left for example the mosaic on the walls.

 

The approaches to the second and third floor do in some way remind me of Slussen. On the top floors there has been and is still in part is a garage.

It is said that there has been a tennis court on the roof, if this is true or not I don’t know, though I doubt it.

As I went through my pictures I noticed that I need to go back and take a few more, after this I’ll update the post .

When I say it is closing down this isn’t entirely true as it will be automatic pumps for yet some time, but no open store. So it might still be an 80^th anniversary as well.

Best wishes

Magnus Reuterdahl