What Was This Motif?

[Arlington]

Sorry for this orphan, but if I Could remember the answer I would know what thread to put it in

What is the origin of the look-alike buildings that look like this? This one is in Woburn, but if IRC there are lots of others (including in Stoneham)

 

[JimInProv]

Not positive, but think they were gas stations.

 

[Bananarama]

A gas station operated by the Beacon Oil Company.

Here's a webpage with a few of them. The one I'm more familiar with is down Mass Ave. and Southampton
https://www.roadarch.com/gas/macan.html