Big Changes Coming to the ‘Home of the Whopper’ in Lakewood

The Burger King at the southwest entrance of Lakewood — at Madison Avenue and W. 117th Street — is getting a makeover.

The floor plan will largely remain the same at the burger joint at 11790 Madison Avenue.

But that’s about it. 

The city’s architectural board of review OK’d a revised proposal at its meeting Thursday.

The renovation at the property — inside and out — is expected to begin soon. It will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Plans include changes to the entrances, interior walls and drive-thru windows. According to the proposal, the shingled roof would be replaced a metal, seamed roof.

New paint, signs and graphics are also planned.

There was some back-and-forth between the city and the architects for the burger chain.

In the final proposal, a large “Home of the Whopper” sign was removed from the plans.

The board also asked for additional landscaping.

The company signed on.

“Currently it’s kind of an asphalt jungle,” said Michael Dauss, the architect representing Burger King at the meeting. “It will resemble a nursery when we get done with it, with respect to the board’s comments and to beautifying our wonderful city of Lakewood.”

Burger King will also build a decorative fence “to try to help with the image in that area.”

“We’re embracing these recommendations, and we’re looking forward to another successful 40 years in Lakewood,” said Dauss.

On the inside of the building, the proposal calls for an update to the furnishings and décor; remodel to the front counter and service counter; new items in the kitchen; and new restrooms.

There are also plans to relocate and build a new trash bin; repair drive-thru lanes; and add bicycle parking.

“I think the new and improved look is wonderful,” said Mary Louise Madigan, the Ward 4 city councilwoman who represents the area, “and thank you for your assurances that it will kept up — tidy and clean.”