Magnolia’s Ice Cream & More is now grooming the former Park Place Pharmacy building 2 blocks west of the Gulf Fwy. for what’ll be its second creamery. Although the pharmacy building lost its original signage — pictured above in 2012 — sometime before MMA gym Metro Fight Club took it over a few years ago (to be followed briefly by Friends Lifestyle Lounge), the rest of the exterior has remained more or less frozen in time since its construction in 1950.
Already the corner of the building has earned its stripes (and drive-thru window) as part of its entry into food service. In its final form, the structure will also feature a new ice cream sign in place of the former RX mark:
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Temporary signage covered up that spot throughout earlier stages of the renovations:
- Park Place location is running a little behind [Magnolia’s Ice Cream & More]
Photos: Magnolia’s Ice Cream & More
Looks like something a doctor would do to a building…. Dump unecessary capital into it to make it uglier.
I think the original facade would be great for an ice-cream place. Obviously they’re going for a different atmosphere but I can’t think of anything better suited to a nostalgic feel than an ice-cream place. Would have saved a bit of money too.
All of that extra exterior work is going to inflate the retail price of the ice cream. Not a good thing for a slightly tatty area off the Gulf Freeway.
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Of course, I only buy my ice cream from the grocery store and which has been curtailed – to save walloping my wallet and waistline. Two birds, one stone.
Who knows… could have been a tenant improvement deal that benefitted the landlord and based on occupancy rate made sense to persue.
“Hey, that building looks neat. Let’s make it ugly!”
Fear not. Their 30,000 + “tatter-ly” customers are a strong happy lot. They will be able to make it pass the new paint and awning in anticipation of another Magnolia’s Ice Cream & More’s offering to their liking. And hold on for the tourist mecca a few blocks down the street the Houston Botanical Garden will create. That crowd likes their exotic plants and may get a hankering to venture out for an avante garde Mangonada. I betcha’ the neighborhood old-timers who remember the cherry cokes Mr. Harris served them there as kids will stop in too for nostalgia’s sake.
I will miss the 1950s storefront but I am very happy to see something new and exciting in the neighborhood that’s NOT a “spa”.
Magnolia Ice Cream & More #2 Park Place had its soft opening yesterday Wed. 9/19/18 at 5 PM. We stopped in for our favorite treats at 8:15 PM and the line was moving at a good clip. Their FB announcement (of just over 24 hours) announcing their Park Place location is open for business has 1000+ likes and nearly 700 shares thus far. Congratulations! Place looks great too.