Eyesore of the week

Property: 5924 W. Saginaw Highway, Delta Township

Owner: Levine Investments Limited Partners

Taxpayer: Levine Investments Limited Partners Assessed: $898,700

Owner says: Unavailable for comment

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: One of the least sustainable forms of architecture are national chain restaurants. Built with no consideration for regional architecture, the buildings are overly stylized with imitation water towers, lighthouses and windmills. National chains should utilize signage to reflect the character of the restaurant and the form of the building should be in the regional style. Too often structures are demolished so that they can be replaced with a building better suited to the character of the new business. The best buildings are those that stand the test of time.

This former Cheeseburger Paradise has deteriorated to a visual hell. Once part of the chain of restaurants owned by Jimmy Buffett, the restaurant closed in 2005 and was sold to Levine Investments in 2007, according to property records.

The garish turquoise color and scraggly floral remnants of corporate cookie cutter landscaping make the property that much sadder. One can almost feel the ghosts of office workers past lining up everyday at lunch for a bit of paradise to dull the monotony. Little did they know they were only feeding the sandy maw of Mr. Buffett ‘s multi-faceted tropical corporate conglomeration. Wasting away again, indeed.

“Eyesore of the Week" is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Neal McNamara at 371-5600 ex. 17.