Revival of a beloved Chinese restaurant with a historic facade is underway in North Park
The neglected facade has become a site for political posters but will soon be restored to its original splendor. (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr./Special for Times of San Diego)
From Uptown News: Before closing in 2019 under the name Peking Restaurant, the business located at 2877 University Ave. ranked among San Diego’s oldest family-run kitchens. It had operated since 1931 as a place where Cantonese-style fare was served from clattering steel carts under the glow of ornate Asian lanterns.
To the excitement of consumers and preservationists, the 3,500-square-foot space, along with its detailed historically designated facade, will come alive again under the name Chop Suey Lounge.
North Park residents Jacquelyn Kelly and business partner Jason Bess, secured a lease for the property last year from family members of the late original owner, Leo Fong. Two generations of Fong’s family ran the restaurant until seven years ago. Some of them retired. Others chose different career paths. The space has been dark ever since.
NJEDA to Provide $5.4M in Support for Lucy the Elephant Repairs
From the New Jersey Business & Industry Association: The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program award to support renovation work at Lucy the Elephant, a 145-year-old National Historic Landmark and popular South Jersey tourist attraction.
This $5.4 million NJEDA investment is part of a broader public funding partnership that includes funding from the City of Margate, support from the New Jersey Historic Trust, and a federal Congressionally Directed Spending Grant. The work will include repairs to the interior of the museum, construction of a new visitors center, and other site improvements.
Shell sign shines again
The Shell “spectacular” on Memorial Drive in full display Oct. 27, 2026. Credit: Michael F. Fitzgerald
From Cambridge Day: One of Cambridge, MA’s most recognizable landmarks is shining brightly again.
The 93-year-old Shell sign overlooking Memorial Drive atop the Magazine Street Shell station was back in full operation Oct. 27, following months of coordination between the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property’s corporate lessee and a specialized sign contractor.
Old diner on St. Clair on the auction block
WDTN Photo
From WDTN: DAYTON, Ohio — The City of Dayton has put a longtime vacant roadside diner on St. Clair Street up for auction online, with the end goal being finding it a suitable home it can be moved to make way for a new police station.
Dayton purchased the property in September 2025 for $1.4 million to create a central district station for the Dayton Police Department, as WDTN.com previously reported.
“This can be a functional asset somewhere else for someone else,” said Steven Gondol with the city. “Somewhere else in the city, hopefully, or in the region.”
Historic Hotel Naples Neon Sign Glows Again After 40 Years
Naples Hotel (Facebook)
From Finger Lakes Daily News: For the first time in about 40 years, the original “Hotel Naples” neon sign is glowing over South Main Street, Naples, NY. The fully restored sign, which hung above the front porch of The Naples Hotel beginning in the early 1900s, is back on the building thanks to owners Tom and Destiny Salviski and a handful of local craftsmen.
The sign’s return caps a story that began at one of the hardest moments in the hotel’s 131-year history. The Salviskis closed on the purchase of The Naples Hotel in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down bars, restaurants, and travel across the country. The building was shuttered and vacant when they took the keys, and their plans for a quick reopening were put on hold.
Old Pepsi mural uncovered during Wausau siding project
An old Pepsi Cola billboard was found under the siding at the building located on the corner of Humboldt Avenue and Third Street
From WSAW: WAUSAU, Wis. – While removing old siding from a Wausau home and business this week, a contractor uncovered a mural painted decades ago.
It’s on the north side of the building, at the intersection of 3rd Street and Humboldt Avenue.
Nancy Bornheimer, who operates 1st Place Trophy & Engraving there, recalls when she heard the news.
“I walked outside to check on the progress of the siding and the noise they were making and they basically told me, ‘Look what I found,’” Bornheimer said.