A building in Longmont, Colorado, that dates back to 1937, has been restored to a whole new generation of customers. Where once it was a stop along the highway for over-the-road truckers and other travelers, it’s now a destination for those looking to relax, grab a drink, some food, enjoy some live music, or just relax.
In south Longmont there is a eclectic little neighborhood known as Prospect New Town; it’s one mile south of Ken Pratt Boulevard, just west of Main. Now, part of that eclectic neighborhood resides a piece of Colorado history: Johnson’s Station, which is the former Johnson’s Corner Gas building.
Johnson’s Corner Gas opened in the last 1930’s along Main, serving thousands of travelers on Highway 287; the most notable of customers was the writer Jack Kerouac, who mentions stopping at Johnson’s Corner in his famous “On the Road” novel from 1957. According to the Times-Call, Johnson’s Corner Gas was a restaurant listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book. After the gas station, restaurant and repair shop closed, it began to fall into disrepair.
Colorado’s Johnson’s Corner Gas Gets Renovation
The building was purchased in 2003 and moved to the Prospect neighborhood; in 2020 the building was sold again to a developer who began the restoration of Johnson’s Corner Gas. In mid-September of 2024, after a $4.5 restoration, the new Johnson’s Station opened to the public. It’s many things: A bar, a place to work, a place to hang with the family, a date spot, a very unique Colorado destination.
I’ve been following the journey of the new Johnson’s Station for several years, and was excited to hear that it was ready for customers, so I traveled to Longmont to check out establishment.
Colorado’s New Johnson’s Station After Renovation
I found it to be much bigger on the inside than I’d ever imagine; there are big spaces, and little spaces, A small staircase takes you to the second floor where there are more little space to hang out. Outside, there is plenty of seating, access to the bar, and a grill to grab a bite…