A modest gas station on Lutzstraße in Munich-Laim could soon receive official heritage protection, as experts highlight its historical and architectural significance. The corner structure, located where Lutzstraße meets Agnes-Bernauer-Straße, is believed to be the oldest documented service station in Bavaria still standing.
Specialists at the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments have conducted a detailed review and describe the building as an important example of early fuel infrastructure in southern Germany. Local representatives in Laim have already expressed unanimous support for preserving the site.
From bicycle shop to fuel pioneer
Records indicate the petrol station was constructed in 1934/35, though the property had been dispensing fuel even earlier. According to archival documents, the operator of a bicycle workshop applied to local authorities in 1929 regarding the existing pump — suggesting that the service point had been active long before automobiles dominated the city.
The location reflects a broader turning point in urban development: as Munich expanded westward in the early 20th century, Laim transformed from a suburban community into a growing residential district supported by tram lines and rising car ownership.
Architecture built for a new age of mobility
The building is attributed to Munich architect Oskar Popp, whose design embraced a modern language that stood apart from typical styles of the mid-1930s. The flat-roof appearance and geometric shapes were meant to evoke progress and technological confidence at a time when road transport was rapidly evolving.
A second redesign occurred in 1953/54, carried out by a local construction firm. This renovation added architectural characteristics typical of the post-war era, yet the result blended remarkably well with the original structure. Specialists say viewers only notice the two distinct phases after closer inspection — one reason the station is considered an instructive architectural document.
What the designation would mean for owners
Should the site be officially entered into the Bavarian heritage register, the owners would be responsible for maintaining the structure and protecting it from risks. Any future modifications would require approval from heritage authorities to ensure historical elements remain intact.
The review process is ongoing. Once the assessment is complete, the municipality is granted a period to submit comments or objections. If no significant concerns are raised, the building will be formally listed as a protected monument.
Financial support may be available for restoration or preservation work — ranging from tax benefits to public funding programs — making heritage status less a burden and more a shared investment in cultural history.
A surviving piece of Munich’s automotive story
In a city where modern fueling stations continue to replace older models, this small corner site stands as a rare reminder of how personal mobility first reshaped Munich’s streetscape. For the community in Laim, the potential designation represents more than a legal change — it marks recognition of a neighborhood landmark that tells the story of the region’s transition into the motor age.
