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Upcycling, reinventing and repurposing—everything and anything can contribute to a building’s new shiny life. Converting buildings is quite common and sometimes the change is quite radical: a gym that previously was a church, a mall that was converted into a school, or a Target turned Walmart. This one group on Reddit called /r/NotFoolingAnybody that has 21.2k members is dedicated to “photos of buildings that have been converted to other uses, yet still strongly resemble their former use.”

And deliberately or not, the new management chooses to recycle some details, like using the letters from the font of the previous business and sometimes even keeping the same logos. The funniest thing is that you can often tell that the masterminds repurposing the building or sign either had too much wit or too little fantasy. Either way, it’s pretty entertaining and below are the best examples of that, so don’t forget to vote for your favorite ones.

More info: Reddit

#1

Former KFC In Maiden, Nc Now A Mexican Restaurant. Col. Sanders Is Now Col. Sanchez

Former KFC In Maiden, Nc Now A Mexican Restaurant. Col. Sanders Is Now Col. Sanchez

Streetdoc10171 Report

Even though a place is converted to an urgent care center, the building decoration is still definitely reminiscent of a hut that used to sell pizza, and a church in this town adorned with UV lights and no more crosses is repurposed to be a nightclub. Usually the shape of the building that used to be a brand that follows the company’s specs is the main giveaway, but it also seems that some of the new owners of the places couldn't be bothered to remove the previous logos.

What is really impressive is the repurposing of shopping malls into schools, which, when you really think about it, can make perfect sense as there are large communal areas and what used to be retail shops that can serve as different classrooms. And what student wouldn’t like to have escalators to go from one floor to another?

#3

Dead Mall Turned Into College Building. Stores Were Converted Into Classrooms

Dead Mall Turned Into College Building. Stores Were Converted Into Classrooms

Maverick3458 Report

Quite a few submissions by people are pictures of former gas stations and car washes. Businesses such as Dunkin Doughnuts or Starbucks are taking advantage of the parts of the building that are suitable for a convenient drive thru. And let’s face it, going into an old flamboyant Art Deco building that is now a Walgreens definitely makes you feel at least a tiny bit more sophisticated.

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#4

Church In My Local Town Converted Into A Nightclub

Church In My Local Town Converted Into A Nightclub

cmdrxander Report

#7

A Church Converted To A Grocery Store

A Church Converted To A Grocery Store

KrispyKayak Report

#8

A Former Cricket Wireless Is Now A Chicken Restaurant

A Former Cricket Wireless Is Now A Chicken Restaurant

LollerskateDJ Report

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#9

Church Turned Into A Gym

Church Turned Into A Gym

KrispyKayak Report

#10

Former Gas Station, Turned Into A Subway With Outdoor Seating - Gypsum, Co

Former Gas Station, Turned Into A Subway With Outdoor Seating - Gypsum, Co

thespudbud Report

#12

Former Woolworths, Now A Walgreens. It Feels Like A Happy Accident That The Historic "W" Letter Still Works For The Building.

Former Woolworths, Now A Walgreens. It Feels Like A Happy Accident That The Historic "W" Letter Still Works For The Building.

methodwriter85 Report

#13

Dunkin’ Doughnuts Drive Thru In A Former Gas Station Car Wash.

Dunkin’ Doughnuts Drive Thru In A Former Gas Station Car Wash.

ICA2015 Report

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#15

This Starbucks Drive-Thru In An Old Car Wash

This Starbucks Drive-Thru In An Old Car Wash

quiet_musings Report

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soulredmazdas avatar
Happy Daihatsu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't be rude to employees or you'll be getting a Grande chunk of soap in your Vegan Non-Fat Chai Tea Latte Mocha Frappuccino Macchiato

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#16

The Local College Bought A Walmart

The Local College Bought A Walmart

Oblivious_Paladin Report

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surprised pikachu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is more common than you think. In my area we have a charter school in an old home depot.

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#17

House Converted To Burger King - Columbus, Ga

House Converted To Burger King - Columbus, Ga

retailsouth Report

#18

A Former Burger King Listed Online As A Townhouse

A Former Burger King Listed Online As A Townhouse

bluenowait Report

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Julia Atkinson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect for anyone who wants to hold a rollerskating party in the living room

kimbo650 avatar
SF Angel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect during COVID times. You can have your family and friends do drive-thru visits!

vasanaphong424 avatar
Vasana Phong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine all the stoners knocking on the door after hours , no thanks

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Joseph E Fasciani
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consider the advert: commercial kitchen in need of a development. I mean, what can possibly go wrong?

sandyd avatar
Sandy D
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kitchen would be cool if you like to cook. It could be made pretty cool for like $20,000

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could turn that into a palace. People would beg to be invited....

brie_sansotta avatar
Brie Sansotta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Townhouses are connected to other townhouses. Don't think THIS is. And it looks like a dance hall

hkbateman228 avatar
Heather Keedy Bateman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This townhome has great, spacious views, and a kitchen that's a chef's dream come true"!

chikitawitzsinger avatar
Chikitawitz Singer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would SO live there!! I'd turn it into something like from the movie BIG! I'd put everything I ever wanted as a kid 😍🤩

atkinsdan avatar
Daniel Atkins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why isn't open floor plan listed as a selling point, also lots of natural light? if it had a play area list it as a family home.

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grey galah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real Estate Agents!!! I'm surprised they didn't list it as a Palace - i mean, you know, burger KING

6bean80 avatar
tmw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am surprised at the number of fast food restos that have closed. I thought they rarely closed.

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#20

Former Hot Topic Now Veterans Museum Denton, Tx

Former Hot Topic Now Veterans Museum Denton, Tx

hipsterdaddyo Report

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Becky Klebe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the mall gets decent foot traffic, a museum like this might get more visitors than it would as a stand-alone. If my local mall had something like this, I'd go in.

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#22

The Owners Ended Their Quiznos Franchise But Wanted To Run A Sandwich Shop Still

The Owners Ended Their Quiznos Franchise But Wanted To Run A Sandwich Shop Still

pfohl Report

#23

This CVS In Dc Used To Be A Movie Theater

This CVS In Dc Used To Be A Movie Theater

joey_p1010 Report

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#24

Former Movie Theatre, Now A Library

Former Movie Theatre, Now A Library

ForgingIron Report

#25

An Orthodontist's Office Used To Be A Blockbuster - Hinesville, Ga

An Orthodontist's Office Used To Be A Blockbuster - Hinesville, Ga

ilikepeople1990 Report

#26

A Wendy's In A Former Bank, Location Unknown

A Wendy's In A Former Bank, Location Unknown

KrispyKayak Report

#28

Nickelodeon Studios! It Has Been Painted Over But You Can Still Tell What It Used To Be

Nickelodeon Studios! It Has Been Painted Over But You Can Still Tell What It Used To Be

ZMONEY0823 Report

#29

Hollywood Video Converted To A Furniture Store

Hollywood Video Converted To A Furniture Store

KrispyKayak Report

#30

An Old Hollywood Video Is Now Hollywood Smokin'

An Old Hollywood Video Is Now Hollywood Smokin'

wgRTM Report

#31

This Dominos In My Home Town Of Keyser Wv Was A Phillip's 66 Gas Station And Garage In The Early 80's

This Dominos In My Home Town Of Keyser Wv Was A Phillip's 66 Gas Station And Garage In The Early 80's

[deleted] Report

#33

Former Target Turned Into A Walmart, They Painted The Target Orbs Yellow Instead Of Removing Them

Former Target Turned Into A Walmart, They Painted The Target Orbs Yellow Instead Of Removing Them

landofgay Report

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Baby Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i love vaulting over the target balls lol i will never get too old for it

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#34

Old Hollister Now A Book Store

Old Hollister Now A Book Store

Bfloteacher Report

#35

Big Woodys Sports Bar (Bethlehem, Pa)

Big Woodys Sports Bar (Bethlehem, Pa)

ZMONEY0823 Report

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jefasciani43 avatar
Joseph E Fasciani
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's perfect, absolutely perfect. One stop, slop till ya drop! Ya gotta love it all.

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#36

Classic Movie Theater Converted Into A Walgreens

Classic Movie Theater Converted Into A Walgreens

Atario Report

#37

Dollar Tree In A Former Church, Location Unknown

Dollar Tree In A Former Church, Location Unknown

KrispyKayak Report

#39

This Used To Be A Majestic Liquor Store. The New Owners Really Stretched Themselves With This One.

This Used To Be A Majestic Liquor Store. The New Owners Really Stretched Themselves With This One.

Hawksong Report

#40

Somebody Named Kg Bought A Local Gas Station

Somebody Named Kg Bought A Local Gas Station

KrispyKayak Report

Note: this post originally had 55 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.