EXCLUSIVE: Horror Destination to Include Replica “Texas Chainsaw” House!

Way back on January 8^th, The Blood-Shed was the first horror outlet to break the story of a horror destination under construction at the site of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre Gas Station in Bastrop, TX. As Phase One nears completion, owner Roy Rose tells us he’s just getting started.

Roy Rose last January at the start of construction

Recap

Last summer (2014), Ohio businessman and entrepreneur Roy Rose became the proud owner of the dilapidated Last Chance Gas Station, the site of the Gulf Oil/BBQ joint in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (released in 1974). Rose plans on doing much more than simply fixing up the exterior for Lookie-Lous, rather he’s transforming the property into a destination site for horror fans & their families, complete with a BBQ restaurant, music venue, retail store (an authorized NECA outlet), and overnight cabins.

Rose’s love of horror, and specifically The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, began at an early age. As a gift on his 10th birthday, his mom rented a VCR just so he could watch Tobe Hooper’s classic slash-fest—and he was hooked (yes, pun intended).

New sign is an exact reproduction of 1974 TCM

Status Check

While flooding and unforeseen construction issues have slowed Rose’s progress just a bit, he’s moving ever closer to opening doors. Not only is the exterior of gas station being restored down to the nitty-gritty details, things are wrapping up on the interior, and the first four cabins are almost ready to shelter their first overnight guests! Rose’s most recent update: “Cabin electrical work is done, the drywall is done. Painting is next!”

Since we last checked in, Rose revealed that an onsite movie theater with a 25’ screen is in the works for 2016, so fans can see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as it was meant to be experienced! In addition, cabins will include TCM on VHS, allowing overnight guests a truly retro experience.

Brand new cabins are nearing completion

The Future Sounds Bloody Fantastic

The TCM Gas Station already sounds like a one-of-a-kind, top notch horror destination experience, but Rose thrilled his followers on Thursday with a monumental announcement: “Big news TCM fans! We just purchased 111 acres less than a half mile from the Gas Station! The plan: Within 2 years, build a replica of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre House!”

The new land, located at the corner of HWY 304 and E Clearview Cemetery Road, also includes a picturesque sandy creek. Rose’s enthusiasm in immense: “I could NOT ask for a better location! Just wait, y’all. So many plans, so many plans!” While completion of this ambitious vision will take years (and depends on the profitability of the Gas Station) this is clearly shaping up to become a Mecca for horror fans!

I can think of some folks that are going to be happy about Rose’s plans for a different reason: The current proprietors of the home at 1010 King Court—the actually TCM house where the bulk of the film was shot. While the property has served as a hotel in the past, the current renters are operating a restaurant.  Just as well, since that location is actually over 100 miles away from the TCM Gas Station; Rose’s replica will be a just a stone’s throw away.

Recent picture of the original TCM house from 1974

Once completed, The TCM House will most likely serve as a location for epic haunts. Another possibility: A complete interior replication of the movie house with guided tours, complete with animatronic Leatherface & family. Rose is still formulating his game plan, so the final product could be something even more fantastic.

With so much space at his disposal, Rose is also considering becoming an outdoor concert venue as well. Forget visiting—this is starting to sound like a place I’d like to retire! You can stay up-to-date on all of these interconnected projects by following the TCM Gas Station Facebook page: HERE.

We’ll keep you posted on Opening Festivities once announced; while there’s no concrete start-date, Rose hopes to start the party before Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed!

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Are you excited about the TCM Gas Station and the Replica House? Does Rose’s horror destination sound like a place you’d like to visit? Sound off in the Comments section!

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