The iconic mid-century building, which was home to Melrose Liquors on 7th Avenue, is being given a new life by recent purchaser Rebecca Golden. The history of this location was almost not enough to save the building, but thanks to organizers and a successful petition, the building is about to be brought back to life!

Originally designed to include Googie-style architecture, the bright colors and double drive through was more “about making a statement — it was about optimism and exaggerated building forms,” says Michelle Dodds, one of the historic preservation officers with the City of Phoenix. Not to mention that, “It was one of the oldest, longest-running liquor stores in the city.” In fact, the building was the home to the local drive-in liquor store for nearly sixty years.

Although Melrose Liquors closed their doors in 2017, recent additions to the area, including a new apartment complex, have provided the opportunity to give this unique location a new and optimistic outlook. Rebecca Golden intends to bring new life to the building in the form of a full-service restaurant called The Googie on Melrose.

“The building was so unique and right up my wheelhouse,” said Rebecca about the location. It sounds as though the design and decor “will be based around Palm Springs, so very bright, flamboyant, and fun. We are going to take a spin on mid- century modern and make it new,” said Golden.

On the current schedule, The Googie on Melrose will have a soft launch this summer and patrons can anticipate food, fun and a little history as well. “We will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, we will have a drive-thru, a patio with a recreation area with games and events,” she went on to add “I can’t wait. I’m excited for everyone to come in and hopefully they love it. That’s all I want — love to be shared with everybody.