LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – The Taco Bell building in downtown Lafayette, California has long served as a strangely sentimental local landmark.
Yes, it was a fast food spot. But it was also architecturally unique, reflecting the taco chain’s early Mission style architecture. Very few Taco Bell buildings with this original design survive.
When Taco Bell shut down after a multi-generation run early this year, locals were terrified that the building would be demolished, or left to decay like El Charro.
When East Coast chain PopUp bagels announced it was taking over the spot and bringing bagels to Lafayette, people were excited. But the question remained: what happens to the building?
Apparently, a local development professional had to make the call. And he reached a decision quickly.
I reached out to Keith Dudum, owner of Lafayette Land Company, LLC, which owns the historic building at 3501 Mt. Diablo Blvd to hear about that choice.
Preservation fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
“I am excited to share the news that PopUp Bagels will be opening their first Northern CA location at the former Taco Bell site,” Dudum told me. “PopUp and their viral bagel concept promise to bring a new excitement to Lafayette!”
In his words, “While there were numerous interests from National Chains looking to demolish and redevelop the site, we ultimately chose to preserve the historic and iconic building that so many in the community share fond memories of.”
Why did Dudum and his colleagues choose to preserve the building rather than work with a national chain to demolish it?
“The Taco Bell opened in Lafayette July of 1968 and was the last operating mission style Taco Bell on the west coast,” Dudum told me. “The Lafayette location represents a piece of Old Lafayette and is considered historic and a cherished community landmark.”
For that reason, Dudum said, PopUp bagel will not demolish the building. Rather, they’re keeping the iconic architecture intact, while updating the building to meet modern standards.
Another person close to the story told me that this includes updates for ADA compliance and the like. Rendering of the new building show the original architecture almost entirely remaining, with additions like a new sign on the front.
Dudum shared this historical photo of the Taco Bell from its early days.
Here it is, enhanced and colorized using modern tech, so you can get a better sense of how the original building looked in its heyday.
You’ll note that the original metal bell is visible in these photos. Legend has it that local kids would steal the bell as their yearly senior prank!
We’re thrilled to hear that this architectural gem will be preserved and retained. And we can’t wait to try the bagels.
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