12901 Mack Avenue
Service Station, Carl’s Super Service, Payton’s Auto Center
Detroit has a plethora of old automotive-related structures. This one dates back to at least the late 1940s, around the same time highways, a byproduct of auto dependency, assisted in ushering Detroit’s workforce outside the city limits.
In 1959, it was utilized as a gasoline station. Two men were arrested for breaking a window while trying to burgle the joint. I can’t picture where the pumps were located, but the structure is set a ways back off Mack Avenue, so there’s more than enough room for them.
By 1963, the structure was Carl’s Super Service. They sold United Delco shock absorbers, so they were on the ad from the Michigan-based company.
At some point, the structure had another bay added. The original building is white brick with a terracotta roof, and the addition is a simple concrete block construction. It’s easy to tell the difference, but it doesn’t look bad.
The last business to occupy the space was Payton’s Auto Center, which, I’d guess, was operational until around 2010. I think there may have been a small amount of damage done to this structure when the elderly home across the street burned down a few years ago, but I can’t be certain.
This structure is currently for sale for $169,000. Sounds reasonable, right?
12900 Mack Avenue is across the street.
