Property Record
23923 BURROWS RD
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Leo Breska Texaco Gas Station |
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| Other Name: | Loren Nelson Auto Repair |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 168405 |
| Location (Address): | 23923 BURROWS RD |
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| County: | Trempealeau |
| City: | Independence |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
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| Section: | |
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| Year Built: | 1931 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2010 |
| Historic Use: | gas station/service station |
| Architectural Style: | Spanish/Mediterranean Styles |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | Leo Breska |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. 2011-The Leo Breska Texaco Company Service Station is located on the south side of Burrows Road, just west of its intersection with Sixth Street. Erected in 1931,23 the one-story, "house with bays" station rises from a slab foundation, faces north toward the roadway, is constructed of hollow tile, and is finished with white stucco. It exhibits design indicative of the Spanish Colonial Revival style, such as stuccoed walls, multipaned windows, a stepped parapet, and a tile roof. This section, which includes the office, restrooms, and original single service bay, has a nearly square footprint and occupies the east end of the building. The 1931 section also displays a shed roof with a stepped parapet and concrete coping. The ca. 1941 section, which added two additional service bays, has an irregular footprint, and occupies the west end of the building; it is constructed of cinder block that has been painted white. The ca. 1941 section displays a front-facing wall that extends above the flat roof. Aside from a small addition constructed at the rear of the building, and the replacement of two windows, the building remains mostly intact. Leo Breska built this station in 1931 as STH 93 (Burrows Road) was being improved. Breska leased his station to Texaco for one half of cent per gallon of gas sold. The architecture of his station has been said to have a "southwestern feel (evoking the indigenous architecture of America's riches oil-producing region) that reinforced Texaco's market image." The station is currently owned by Loren Nelson, who operates an auto-repair business in the building. Following an aneurysm, Nelson decided to follow his true passion by restoring the station, outfitting it with historically accurate petroliana. The station is featured on the cover of Fill'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. The station is associated with the transportation history of Independence. The station was constructed as the north-south road through Independence, STH 93, was being improved. It remains nearly identical to its original state, easily conveying its historic associations. It is a good and intact example of an early twentieth century "house with bay" gas station, particularly one displaying the influence of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The smooth stuccoed walls, multipaned windows, and tile roof are all design elements indicative of the Spanish Colonial style. Throughout the building, small parapets, rounded arch doors and uniquely styled windows add embellishment. Leo Breska built this station in 1931 as Burrows Rd. (STH 93) was being improved. Breska leased his station to Texaco for one half of cent per gallon of gas sold. The architecture of his station has been said to have a #28;southwestern feel (evoking the indigenous architecture of America's riches oil-producing region) that reinforced Texaco's market image.#29; The station is currently owned by Loren Nelson, who operates an auto-repair business in the building. Following an aneurysm, Nelson decided to follow his true passion by restoring the station, outfitting it with historically accurate petroliana. The station is featured on the cover of Fill'er Up:The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Draeger, Jim and Mark Speltz, Fill'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2008. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |