The historic Castle Car Wash building on Odgen Avenue, aka Route 66, in Chicago is being restored after years of neglect and will be converted into a Greek restaurant.
Debra Jane Seltzer of the terrific Roadside Architecture site got the scoop when she saw workers at the site and asked them what was going on. Seltzer said the work at the building has been going on for about two weeks.
According to research by roadie David Clark, the Castle Car Wash building also was known as the John J. Murphy Filling Station. The stone, castle-like station, on Route 66 at 3801 W. Odgen Ave. in Chicago, was built about 1925 and was operated by Murphy for more than 40 years. It became an S&B Standard Service and a Gas City during the 1970s, then a Castle Car Wash during the 1980s. It was deemed eligible to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Until recently, it was owned by a towing company.
(Photo courtesy of Debra Jane Seltzer)
Darn it, Debra beat to it! However, I will be interviewing the gentleman responsible for the restoration of the Castle tomorrow (Monday August 24). I have already talked to him on the phone, and he stated that he intends to serve Greek style chicken. The restaurant will likely be strictly carry-out or delivery.
Too bad it couldn’t be preserved like the O’dell station or Soulsby’s. Although In that part of town it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
I’m terribly excited by this news; it’s one of my favorite Route 66 sites in the Chicago area.
oh – i love this place. I wanted to buy it to make a visitor centre !!
Awesome. What a great use of historical property!
I just saw this a couple of weeks ago during my quick Chicago trip for a funeral.
Chicago needs more good Greek restaurants!