UFO-Shaped Gas Station Reopens As Starbucks

A UFO-shaped gas station in St. Louis, Missouri reopened as a Starbucks following efforts to save it from being demolished.

UFO-shaped gas station in Missouri

"When local preservationists discovered this iconic former gas station was threatened with demolition, they launched an exceptional public campaign to save the landmark," writes National Trust for Historic Preservation, which listed the iconic building as among its "Ten Remarkable Preservation Wins of 2012."

"Less than a month later, the developer who had planned to replace it with a new commercial space announced plans to preserve the flyer saucer-shaped structure,"it adds.

The former Del Taco, otherwise known as "the flying saucer building," opened as a Phillips 66 gas station back in the 1960s and is considered a prime example of mid-century modern architecture.

The building, located on the southeast corner of Grand and Forest Park avenues, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.