Closing Bell: Dissecting the Flushing McDonalds as a Community Gathering Space

The New York Times published a great piece regarding the recent controversy of a Flushing McDonalds calling the police on elderly Korean patrons who stay too long at the fast food chain. Architecture critic Michael Kimmelman wonders why that particular McDonalds, and not a senior center or church, became such a destination, and he finds a number of reasons.

First off, it’s within walking distance of many patrons’ homes, who report that the nearest senior center is a mile-and-a-half away. It’s a safe indoor option when the weather’s bad, and with many affluent Koreans moving to Bayside, it’s become “a home away from home” for the older generation. As for the architecture: ” A seating area near the front door is set apart, half-obscured from the restaurant’s counter staff, with an extra-long banquette, ideal for large groups, people watching and privacy: the urban trifecta. McDonald’s is a ready-made NORC.” (NORC refers to Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.) As one of the McDonalds regulars says, “It’s how we keep track of each other now. Everybody checks in at McDonald’s at least once a day, so we know they’re O.K.”

The Urban Home Away From Home [NY Times]

Photo via GMAP