I don’t know why this bothers me but it does. McDonald’s has a practice of demolishing their restaurants, hauling away the debris and then rebuilding. They did just that in Westlake near Crocker Park. They are in the process of doing it near East 30th & Carnegie.
To me, it just seems to illustrate how we’ve become a disposable society. Nothing seems made for the long haul anymore. Instead, you buy something knowing it has a shelf life. Think back to our grandparents, they bought something knowing they’d probably pass it down to their family. I have three watches sitting in my closet that all need batteries but I’m not going to throw them away. I’ve even replaced the bands on them. Things are so cheap and made that way it’s easier to buy them, use them and toss them. Where is all of this stuff going?
Couldn’t McDonald’s just remodel these restaurants? Is it that much cheaper to bulldoze the building and raise up another? How did these buildings get in such a state of disrepair anyhow? Just a thought. By the way, the McDonald’s near East 30th & Carnegie promises to be open in December.
I couldn’t mention McDonald’s however without talking about their breakfasts. I crave them almost daily but I have to stay strong and avoid them. Besides knowing the grease is ready to clog my aging arteries, I know the fat is ready to cling to my body and undo any good workout that I do. Still, I have to succumb every now and then with a trip to the golden arches. Er, I’m hungry and I think McDonald’s is open… I’ll be right back… I’m lovin’ it!
Being married to the historic preservationist, I will have to say that yes, it is cheaper to bulldoze than to restore and renovate. Not that I’m upset about the tearing down of a Mickey D’s (even if it is for a new one). But I’m always saddened when beautiful century homes are razed for McMansions…