I have always been intrigued by this Chinese restaurant east of Powell Hall on Washington Avenue; its cool lines remind me of the Greek letter Psi, so that is how I am going to start describing this roof shape. It’s similar in shape to the sculpture at Jamestown Mall, and to the props in the background of this Carpenters video.
Certainly the Greek alphabet has provided inspiration to Modernist structures in the past, such as with Delta wing gas stations.
I’ve never actually seen the restaurant open, and some people say that it just generates money from its parking lot. I don’t know for sure.
One thing’s for sure, it looks like it still has its original tables and benches.
02/12/2013, 08:50 am
A most fascinating building. I have also never seen it open for business. Wonder if it was originally built to be a Chinese restaurant or something else.
02/12/2013, 10:28 am
I presume it was probably a sandwich shop or diner originally; I think I may even remember its pre-Chinese restaurant days. I suspect someone will remember what it used to be.
02/12/2013, 11:43 am
They’re open for lunch on weekdays. That’s it.
02/12/2013, 12:29 pm
Wasn’t that a Whataburger back in the day?