When John Borek replaced his flying saucers with large dinosaurs in his yard, his homeowners’ association threatened legal action. Instead of giving up, he relocated the dinosaurs to his South Congress car wash, which transformed into Austin’s unique Jurassic Car Wash landmark.
- Dinosaurs started as a Halloween yard display
- Dinosaurs moved to a car wash, becoming a local icon
- New owners keep the dinosaur theme alive
What happened
John Borek began decorating his yard with unusual items, including flying saucers for Halloween and later two large dinosaur statues. While neighbors weren’t thrilled about the dinosaurs staying up well beyond the holiday, the situation escalated when his homeowners’ association threatened to sue over the display.
To preserve his creative vision, Borek moved the dinosaurs to a car wash he purchased on South Congress Avenue in Austin in 2015. There, he developed the Jurassic Car Wash, featuring animatronic dinosaurs that entertain customers and add a playful twist to the routine chore of car washing.
Why it feels good
The Jurassic Car Wash turns an ordinary business into a joyful, memorable experience that appeals to kids and adults alike. The dinosaurs, including a T-rex that sprays water and a pterodactyl guarding the entrance, capture the imagination and bring smiles to visitors.
Borek’s passion and ingenuity illustrate how embracing creativity—even in the face of opposition—can foster community spirit. His use of mechanical skills from his auto body shop days to build and maintain the animatronics shows dedication and charm that resonate with the neighborhood and beyond.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to the Jurassic Car Wash can enjoy self-service bays, an automatic tunnel with dinosaur figures, and a self-serve pet wash with oatmeal shampoo. Animatronic shows behind the building add an interactive element that keeps people coming back.
After eight years, Borek sold the business to younger owners who plan to maintain the dinosaur theme, preserving this unique Austin treasure. It stands as a quirky landmark and a reminder of how creativity and local flavor can make everyday places fun and inviting.