Epicenter Project Spotlight - September 2025
- epicentersales
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 25
This month (and officially ever!) Epicenter project spotlight is Mutual Gas of Traverse City - Pump refresh project. This unique, community centered project spanned over two years and truly embraced the heart of our area.
Gilbert's Service Oil Company (Mutual Gas) is a family run business and has been part of the Traverse City landscape for 4 generations going as far back as 1936.
Gilbert's was managed by Tom Grapes for 30 years prior to the early 2020s. Tom dedicated himself to the business and it's success. He cared deeply about his employees and those in the area. With the stations needing some updating the door was open to do just that. Now carrying the torch, Chris Grapes Garcia, his daughter, set out to tie everything together. This project was as much for the community as it was a tribute to the man who devoted his life caring about the people in it. Featuring local cars, all with stories, and parks from our beautiful area, really emphasized the values Gilbert's has held all these years. It honors a man who devoted his career to serving those around him in this beautiful area we call home.
Epicenter stepped in to help see this into fruition. Each station embraces a different time period. The pump bottoms featuring local cars and the valances display local trails and parks. Many of the cars have a long history in the area and a amazing story.
The Garfield station features cars from the 30s to the 50s. Some of these cars are rarely seen outside of select special events and car shows.
Pump number 7- A 1928 Model A, specifically had a sweet story. A gentlemen noticed Epicenter's request on a local auto enthusiast group and submitted a photo of the car. He explained he'd love to submit the photo of a car to surprise his grandfather. His grandfather had painstakingly put the car together from scratch, and was originally just a trailer-full of junk. Now he enjoys driving it and taking others for a ride!
The Front street location features cars from the 60s and 70s. Epicenter was allowed to visit a personal car collection in the area where pumps 7 & 8 are from. There was a vast array of unique classics on site. These cars are often used in local Traverse City events and parades including Cherry Fest!
The last station to be completed was also the most challenging. With the station changing to offer DEF at the pump (yes- I mean AT!) there needed to be a bit more thought and planning to go into the art and layout.
This station had the most submissions out of all 3 locations. Pumps 1-12 feature cars from the 80s to early 2000s. While pumps 13 and beyond have diesels of various year ranges.
Notably pump 13 featuring a maroon Peterbilt- has a unique story. That truck was used in day to day operations here in Traverse City in the early to mid 90s. The truck was later sold to a logging company. The grandson years later found that truck and have to bring it back to the area. He has many memories of spending time with his grandpa in that truck. His family now use it for family adventures and the legacy lives on.
The valances were chosen to reflect the beauty of the area and celebrate the local community and what it stands for. Scenic photos, generously provided by TART Trails, Grand Traverse Conservation District and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, capture the essence of the area.
From cross country skiing and biking, to simply sitting on a park bench overlooking Lake Michigan, each image offers a unique perspective on the treasures our local parks and trails provide. Tom and his wife felt strongly that giving back to the community was essential and they embraced opportunities to support efforts that ensured future generations can experience the rich history and breathtaking scenery that Traverse City has to offer.
Epicenter truly was awarded the greatest privilege to be invited to be involved with such an important project. Thank you to Chris, and the rest of Gilbert's Service Oil Co. for allowing us to be apart of your story.
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