From Fuel to Financing: Historic Dalton Oil Building Gets New Life as MiMutual Mortgage

If you have driven around Grapevine lately, you may have noticed some major changes to the oldest building on the Northwest Highway – the Dalton Oil Gas Station. As one of the few remaining vintage gas stations in the area, the building had fallen into disrepair. But now, this iconic stop is once again a standout in the community.

Brief History of Dalton Oil:

Doil Dalton established Dalton Oil Inc. in Grapevine, TX when he returned home from WWII. He built a much-needed gas and service station, as it was at one point, the last place to fuel up between Grapevine and Wichita Falls.

Since the late 1930s, the Dalton family operated the gas station and other businesses out of the location, such as a mechanic’s shop, café, hair salon and other enterprises.

The Torch is Passed:

Bob and Norma Duane moved to Grapevine in 1991 and for over 30 years, have called this community home. In 2007, the couple, along with their son Paul, established a successful branch of MiMutual Mortgage in the Simmons Bank building.

But when opportunity arose to purchase the Dalton Oil building just down the road, they couldn’t pass it up! Craig Dalton, the previous owner, wanted to sell the property to another family business because his family had so many great memories growing up working at the gas station. So, in the summer of 2021, the Duane family purchased the building from the Daltons.

Work Gets Underway:

The Duane’s wanted to honor and respect the history of the building, so they hired famed architect Gary Scotnicki, who has done many of Grapevine’s historic buildings. His design blended the old with the new, using as much of the original building that could be salvaged as well as creating an addition for more space.

David Klempin, the city’s Historic Preservation Officer, helped preserve the front façade of the building to look exactly as it did in its heyday. Additionally, the vintage Sinclair Dino gas pump that Craig Dalton’s grandfather, J.E. Dalton, bought for $20 in January 1936 was restored to its original condition. This beautiful relic stands tall in front of the building.

Chris Squitero of Pangea Development Group was the general contractor. He and his crew did a fantastic job of preserving the original brick walls of the garage, the original front, and the side exterior. The old garage bays are now part of a conference and training room. A gourmet kitchen was added that will serve and entertain clients. And the kitchen table is the main gathering place for employees and guests.

Looking Forward:

Grapevine, TX was established in 1844 when Texas was still a Republic. As the oldest settlement in Tarrant County, the community is a cultural and historic gem, yet continues to grow and evolve with the people that call it home.

The new MiMutual Mortgage office embodies that old-time charm while looking forward to the future. The Duane’s are proud to be a part of the rich history of Grapevine, and to continue being the local mortgage lender of choice from such a unique, historically important building.