Synopsis:

Kirby continues the City Pulse building criticism section, this time examining fast food restaurant chain structures. The “eyesore” featured – an abandoned Boston Market restaurant in Okemos, Michigan. As he points out, these structures are built specifically for one use, so much so that the layout and exterior design are completely catered (and mass produced) for one specific tenant. While there are examples of some of these buildings being adapted for new uses once the restaurant shuts down, its construction makes it very difficult. As a future-planning model, Kirby looks at the Detroit-based S.S. Kresge Dime Store design book. This particular chair individually-designed its stores to fit within the communities they were located. By designing for the location rather than the tenant, the stores have been adapted very easily.