still recognisable

At one time there were some 400 of these, with some variation, in North America.

foto from Cleveland Plain Dealer, date and location unknown

"...Roll on, Big O! Get that juice up to Lawson's in 40 hours. Now, one man sleeps while the other man drives..."

Some businesses build a particular building that is recognisable after different tenants move in. Red Barn Restaurants 1961-87, and Lawson's 1939-85 are the two i mean. Red Barns became other single location restaurants, dry cleaners, and et cetera, but are instantly recognisable. There is a certain Lawson's building that is almost as recognisable. All of them have had the old script Lawson's stripped, but the adhesive from the individual letters still read Lawson's. I have been told Pizza Huts are also recognisable, and there are others.

 

It is is sensible to remodel such a commercial building thusly. The building is available, and it will do for the purpose of the new enterprise. "Repurposing" is one of those words that become immediately cliché, and are used as advertising euphemisms to ballyhoo a project. When an impressive building is used for something that is crass, it is sad. When an impressive building is used for something that is commensurate in dignity it is a good use.

on Broadview in Old Brooklyn barn

East 152nd barn in Cleveland

That projecting gable overhang is unmistakable for identification.

cupola with weather vane still intact

red of sign painted green, with new wording, happy sun still attached

"The place is more interesting than a redone Lawson's", i was quoted once regarding sacred space in a beautiful church being more conducive to worship. [click] This building is nearby on E.152nd.

letters removed, adhesive ground off, still Lawson's