The tentacles of McDonald’s have been spreading far and wide around the world, plaguing every major freeway and even moderately financially capable neighborhoods with obesity and bad eating habits. But besides the very serious health concerns, they apparently are also on a mission of ruining brilliant architecture with their rather obtrusive and gag-inducing golden arches and making them smell like grease and hot sauce. Here are ten most brilliant buildings that have been invaded by McDonald’s!
1. This is an art deco building in Victoria, Australia, which was formerly known as the ‘United Kingdom Hotel’ and dates back to 1937.
2. This is a historic monument in Paris, France that has been taken over by McDonald’s. Located on Rue Saint Lazare in the 8th arrondissement, the building was built in 1892; only no one knew it would once serve salty fries and fattening burgers.
3. McDonald’s bought this old steamboat on the Mississippi river in St.Louis. However, it closed after a flooding in 1993.
4. Nope, this isn’t something from the theater’s golden age. This is a McDonald’s branch on 42nd street in the historic Theatre District, Broadway, New York.
5. This is an old bank in Independence, Ohio and probably the most regal McDonald’s branch you’ll ever see.
6. There WAS a McDonald’s branch in the Galleria Emanuelle Vittori in Milan, which is Italy’s oldest shopping mall dating back to 1861. The magnificent glass dome and glass-vaulted arcades once held the abomination. But after 20 years of occupancy, this year, the mall owners have finally had enough and have prevented the branch from renewing its tenancy. Although McDonald’s filed a €24 million lawsuit, they apparently have lost the case with the fast food joint being replaced by the second Prada shop of the mall.
7. Denton House located in New Hyde Park, New York is a stupendous Georgian mansion built in 1795 as a farmhouse. It was later turned into a funeral home before McDonald’s got their claws over it and bought the property in 1985. The building was close to getting torn down due to its age before the local community stood up and pleaded with politicians for preserving the historical spot.
In the end, McDonald’s had to fully restore the property. But locals still aren’t happy with a notorious burger joint taking over one of the town’s most beautiful buildings.
“I think it’s a shame that something like the Denton House could be replaced by a commercial place of business that already has massive amounts of locations. It’s unnecessary,” said one local resident.
8. McDonald’s taking over a Saxon House in Hameln, Germany.
9. Amidst the amazing Karst landscape, Yangshuo, province of Guangxi, China hosts a McDonald’s so you can undo all the calories burnt from the scenic hike.
10. Aviation enthusiasts, look away! This McDonald’s restaurant is based in Taupo, New Zealand inside a decommissioned DC3, with tables and counters placed inside the plane.
