Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

Wells Fargo has been de-branching for a while now, a trend which has finally reached their iconic Main Street mirror building, which I always thought of as their local headquarters, though apparently their admin offices were on Greystone. Part of this is the trend of more online access to accounts and less need to interact with a teller, and probably part is Wells specific as they haven't exactly covered themselves in glory over the past ten years or so.

The State says that the firm will maintain an office in the building, so perhaps the sign on the west side will not be coming down. They also say there are no plans for the branch space other than to put it up for lease and see what happens (which they strike an optomistic tone about).

In the meantime, enjoy the mirror building:

Read the rest of this entry »

Main Street stalwart Drake's Duck-In has made a temporary move from its Main Street location to 1840 Hampton Street while repairs & renovations are made to its permanent home.

Contrary to the signage when I took these pictures, the actual opening of the temporary site did not take place until 21 April, as reported by The Free Times.

The Hampton Street spot has featured here twice, as Nathan's and Hampton Street Diner.

According to the link commenter Heath found, Drake's has been around in one form or another in various locations since starting on Elmwood in 1907.

So waddle on over...

(Hat tip to commenter Heath)

Hampton Street Diner opened on 3 December 2017 in the former location of Nathan's. By the time I got around to the Nathan's closing, most of the Hampton Street Diner upfit was already done, so I am repeating those pictures here.

The State had this story about the (then upcoming) opening of the new restaurant.

Although it looked like a good place to try a burger, I never did make it by for lunch, and the last time I drove by, there was signage to the effect of either new management or new ownership, so apparently there was a major change at some point.

I do like the parting sentiment that while not everything works out, life goes on.

(Hat tip to commenter Frank)

UPDATE 9 January 2020 -- Now Vegans International Organic Cafe & Juice Bar:

This little home-cooking restaurant had been on this corner since 1991. (Before that, the place was a sandwich shop, and before that, a pharmacy). According to this article in The State, the owner decided, with regret, that it was time to retire.

By the time I got around to taking these pictures, I was surprised to find the place setting up as a new restaurant, the Hampton Street Diner. In fact, I was surprised enough that when there were actually people inside, I could only think of a few words to introduce myself and ask a few inane questions about the opening date and format, not even getting a web site or menu. There's a reason I take pictures of empty buildings rather than talking to people..

Luckily, The Free Times has it covered here: The place is now open, has a '50s' theme, and is serving breakfast & lunch with local delivery available.

And, if you are ever get too comfortable with using google as a source, just google "nathan's hampton street":

Brooklyn-born fast-food chain offering signature hot dogs, fries, burgers & more.

I believe I may at one time have had swimming lessons at the downtown 'Y', though it is very hazy now. I remember for sure that I had Karate lessons there, something which my mother was in favor of to try and get me out of my books every now and then, and something which I personally hated (the same thing was true of Little League). In the event, I would sneak over to the neighboring RCPL when I was supposed to be in class.

I had not often thought of the 'Y' since then until my sister recently mentioned that it was moving from this historic building to a new one at 1447 Hampton Street.

According to the 'Y' website, that move is this weekend, and the new 'Y' should be open on Monday 11 July 2016.