Town Square Revitalization

Constructed in 1952, Oxford’s former Phillips 66 service station sits on the northwest corner of the town’s historic square, a once-active stop that served generations of residents seeking everything from friendly car service to a sweet snack. With a new group spearheading the station’s reuse, locals hope the vacant landmark can once again be an active contributor to the town square.

Discover Oxford Indiana, Inc., the local Main Street organization, acquired the property in 2024 to ensure its preservation, with intent to return the Art Moderne-style structure as much to its original appearance as possible and restore its use as a community gathering place. The group envisions the property as a place for community meetings, small business incubator space, public restrooms for use during downtown events and festivals, and food truck parking.

Courtesy Discover Oxford Indiana, Inc.

As a next step to making their vision a reality, Discover Oxford will contract professional architectural services to develop a rehabilitation and reuse plan for the former service station, supported by grants from Indiana Landmarks’ Endangered Places fund and Indiana Landmarks’ Indiana Automotive affinity group.

Tommy Kleckner, director of Indiana Landmarks Western Regional Office, expressed appreciation for the group’s efforts, “Discover Oxford’s ultimate goal with the project is to activate this corner of the square as part of ongoing revitalization in Oxford. I continue to be impressed with their achievements and ambitious goals and have confidence in their ability to complete the project.”