North elevation showing trace of removed signage
"A Wienerschnitzel franchise offers the opportunity to be part of the World’s largest hot dog chain. With over 45 years of proven success, Wienerschnitzel’s line of hot dogs, including its famous chili dogs, provide a unique and competitive position in the fast food marketplace." -from Wienerschnitzel website
I am somewhat drawn to this building, or what I imagine it could be (see house by Robert Venturi in slide show) even though I am 99% vegetarian. I wonder, is this a sign of new diet habits, or is it merely a worn down building getting a face lift?
A former co-worker, Debbie M. was obsessed back in the late 1990's with Wienerschnitzel, eating there weekly, if not more frequently, despite belonging to the "snob" profession of architecture and driving a newish Saab.
I admit to eating at W. on at least two occasions, both times ordering a Polish sandwich out of respect for my 1/4 Polish ancestry. W's website claims that the dogs are made with Angus and perhaps that is true. I don't honestly pretend to know if eating there is good or bad.
Today, this location has the upper most roof sheathing removed and pallets of new roof tiles sit on site.
I contacted a Wienerschnitzel representative to ask if the locaton will reopen as a W' or some other use.She didn't know but referred me to Franchising. I left a message.
(location map deleted)
The significance of this building (for me) lies in its use of the L shape. It has an open ended face. The right side functioning as a "corner office" window. It is a simple extrusion in section, yet it has an asymmetrical face.
If a new business somehow is defined to reuse this building I hope it will be one lead by someone familiar with L shapes and assymetry. Maybe an ex-architecture student. But if recent trends continue it will receive a new tile roof, a coat of paint and a new "Payday Loan" sign.
(See Peter Eisenman example in slideshow)
Maybe I will try Rainbow's End...
For more info: www.wienerschnitzel.com/
Comments
How is a story about Wienerschnitzel associated with Architechture?
This commercial, vernacular building has been occupied as a W for what, 20 years?
If a hot dog vendor doesn't work anymore, what does?
What businesses are going to re-use similar spaces?
In LV the answer seems to be Pawn Shops and Dollar Loans.
Sorry, it's a continuation of the World's Largest theme from previous article. But formally, I've thrown in some "architecture" references. I too tend to block out fast food buildings. But they are there and what do we do with them when they empty out?
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