Maple & Main

McFast

Posted by Curt Otto on April 9, 2009

Just south of the corner of Sunset and West Avenue sits a McDonalds restaurant that, let’s face it, dates itself in design and function.

However, at Wednesday night’s Waukesha Plan Commission Meeting, final plans were approved for a new McDonalds at this location.

What truly amazes me about this project is that McDonalds is planning on building the new restaurant on the same property while keeping the existing one operational.

Once the new McDonalds is completed, the old one will be removed.

That in itself is a marvel of well planned construction.

And through discussion with the project managers of this development, I have found that this is not where the list of amazing things ends.

For starters, the new restaurant is going to have many unique features that you wouldn’t expect to find in your typical fast food restaurant.

This includes, big screen televisions, a BOSE stereo system, WiFi, and an area dedicated for meetings or large group gatherings.

Sounds pretty fancy.

Furthermore, the design of the exterior is receiving a facelift as well. Described as a modern deco design, it features an all brick exterior with various areas of stone and glass. I have included a picture of a design similar to the one proposed for Waukesha.

 

It is a vast improvement over what exists at the site now.

But hold on folks- I haven’t got to the really amazing part yet.

The McDonalds reps gave the Plan Commission an estimated time line of the project.

Are you ready for this?

They plan to begin the project in June…and have it finished in 90 days.

That’s right- ninety days. A nine and a zero. Ten days, nine times. 90.

That’s incredible!

Here is a company that knows the value of a concise project construction plan and knows how to execute it.

And why do I bring this up?

Because I think there are those here in this fine city that could learn a thing or two from McDonalds. Those who spend more time dreaming up excuses as to why they are not finished with their projects than they do actually working on them.

Ninety days. A new restaurant up, lit, inspected and occupied. Another one demolished and hauled away. They said the landscaping would take all of four days. I find it hard to believe, and I am anxious to see it happen.

McDonalds was forthcoming about one such project didn’t hit the projected 90 day mark as planned.

It went 94 days.

Oh the shame they must have felt.

In the past year I have seen some remarkable transformations in our downtown. A hotel rose from the framework of a building that should have been condemned. New restaurants have brought life to areas that were vacant or underused. Unique art galleries and boutiques inhabit newly restored storefronts up and down Main Street.

All of these projects demonstrate how people with vision and determination get things done.