4 More Restaurants build inside Historic Properties

Freeport, Maine Credit: Jerry Odum Adapting the Freeport McDonald's, which serves lobster rolls, was one of the first times the fast-food chain was forced to change its design. Since its opening in 1984, the company has wizened to the issue of appropriateness. McDonald's wouldn't describe these "camouflaged" stores as a trend just yet, however. "A relatively small percentage of our U.S. restaurants have done this," says company spokesman Bill Whitman. "If an area is part of a historic district, we always work with officials on the restaurant and keep it sensitive to any restrictions," Whitman says. "We want to create a restaurant that enhances the community we serve." Almost a tourist attraction itself, the Freeport McDonald's later added a drive-through to the back of the house and relocated next door to create additional parking spaces.

Another prime example of a chain store fitting into a historic area is the McDonald's located right outside of the Biltmore estate in Asheville, N.C. Touting itself as the "world's classiest McDonald's," the restaurant features a baby grand piano and a gold-leafed fireplace, with food served by employees wearing black vests and bow ties. Built before the area's design ordinances existed, it was just a normal-looking McDonald's until five years ago, when the franchise decided to expand and found it itself in conflict with the local guidelines set by the historic resources commission.