After a few approvals by Oxford Planning Commission, the McDonald’s on University Avenue will be set for demolition.
Once the existing restaurant is removed, construction will begin for a brand new, up-to-date McDonald’s. It will be “innovative and very state of the art,” owner Betsy Smith said, “And unlike any other McDonald’s people have seen.”
Smith said she and her husband “bought the McDonald’s 9 years ago and have been saving money” in anticipation of knocking the existing building down and rebuilding. Demolition will begin Dec. 15 and completion is scheduled for 100 days after.
The future restaurant will be similar in design to the Jackson Avenue location and will feature an abundance of amenities including:
- Double drive- thru lanes
- Larger building
- Electric car charging station
- Bike racks
- Energy Management System
- LED lighting inside and outside
- Large indoor play place with something for every age
- TV’s
- Local artwork
Additionally, the renovated McDonald’s will be doing its part in recycling.
“All cardboard will be recycled,” Smith said, “and we’ve been working with the city on it. We’re very excited for the opportunity.”
Despite the new building and its new amenities, the most exciting part for Smith is the indoor play place.
“My three kids are very excited because there will be a play area for every age group. Plans include a climbing gym, a smaller area for toddlers, electronic gaming all along the wall, and a sparkle table.”
Smith added that a “sparkle table” is made in Mississippi and children use their fingers to draw on the screen and it lights up in sparkles.
While the restaurant is closed for just over three months, all of the location’s employees will be working at the Jackson Avenue location. Once construction is completed, hiring will begin for additional employees at the McDonald’s on University Avenue.
Lindsey Andrews is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at lnandre1@go.olemiss.edu.
