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Too small to host a modern-day auto shop, the building has found new life through a pet grooming business.
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In keeping with the building’s tradition, Mark Hicks kept the gasoline bell. Today, customers drive up to the front, triggering the bell, and groomers will take or give back pets. It is believed to be the only “drive-thru grooming” service in the state.
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Mark Hicks prides himself on making the building look as close to its original form as possible, while staying in line with today’s safety policies and county codes.
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What little is actually known of the building’s history is displayed on a shelf inside the building, nestled between rows of grooming supplies. All pictures were given to Mark Hicks by Plant City residents.
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Mark Hicks says that the difference between his building and the one in Lakeland, on Sloan Street, is that he has actively opposed giving the Plant City building a modern aesthetic.
For roughly 80 of its 100 years of existence, the Standard Oil Service building was one of Plant City’s most beloved auto shops. It doubled as a gas station and sold Red Crown gasoline, which was operated by John D. Rockefeller before being sold to Henry Flagler. Now it is Low-Cost Pet Grooming. Owner Mark Hicks has learned what he can about the building but is looking for anyone with more information.
Added to register: 1996
Address: 1111 N. Wheeler St.
Owner: Mark Hicks
Other name: Daniel’s Standard Oil Service Station
