A proposal to demolish a historic building at 38103rd Avenue South in Minneapolis has sparked discussions about its potential landmark designation. The property, originally built as a Tudor revival filling station in the early 1930s, has a rich history, having served various roles including an ice cream shop and a soul food restaurant. It has been vacant since 2015.

City staff have recommended that the property be considered for individual local landmark designation due to its architectural significance and its connection to the cultural history of the Southside neighborhood, which was home to a vibrant African American community from the 1930s to the 1970s. The building reflects a broader trend in the 1920s and 1930s where gas stations were designed to blend into residential areas, showcasing distinctive architectural features such as stucco walls and steeply pitched roofs.

The property is also noted for its association with the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers during segregation, indicating its historical importance in providing services to the Black community. Despite its significance, the building has undergone alterations over the years, raising questions about its integrity and preservation.

As the applicant prepares to submit a development proposal for a new cultural wellness center on the site, the future of the existing structure remains uncertain. The discussions highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing development with the preservation of cultural heritage in urban settings.