Programmatic Architecture

Programmatic architecture (also known as mimetic or mimic architecture) refers to buildings in the shape of, well ... things. Sometimes the shape is related to the product sold in the building, or is actually the shape of the product itself. Sometimes the shape is just a novelty meant to catch the eye. This was one way that businesses attracted travelers during the golden age of the automobile, and it is another example of roadside Americana that is slowly disappearing.

Click on each thumbnail to see a larger image.

[bizarre_programmatic100_8083_s.jpg]
Barrel
Tacos El Barrilito
6430 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ
December 2009
       [bizarre_pup_s.jpg]
Hot Dog
Tail O' The Pup
San Vicente Blvd.
Hollywoood, CA
July 1990
Now at 8512 Santa Monica Bl, LA
       [bizarre_programmatic100_9104_s.jpg]
Wine Bottle
Boondocks Lounge
3306 N. 1st Ave.
Tucson, AZ
November 2008


[bizarre_programmaticIMG_4018_s.jpg]
Shelf of Books
Library Bar & Grill
312 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM
April 2010
       [bizarre_programmatic100_1006_s.jpg]
Orange
Bono's Restaurant & Deli
15395 Foothills Blvd.
Fontana, CA
March 2011
Reported gone 2022.
       [bizarre_programmaticIMG_2432_s.jpg]
Windmill
Watermill Express
Broadway & Camino Seco
Tucson, AZ
August 2008


[bizarre_programmatic100_0478_s.jpg]
Boat
Noah's Attic & Gift Shop
465 West Gila Bend Highway
Casa Grande, AZ
January 2011
       [bizarre_amado_s.jpg]
Cow Skull
Longhorn Bar & Grill
28851 S. Nogales Hwy.
Amado, AZ
December 1992
       [bizarre_programmaticIMG_3844_s.jpg]
Owl
Owl Cafe
800 Eubank Blv. NE
Albuquerque, NM
April 2010


[bizarre_programmatic100_8060_s.jpg]
Log Cabins
Log Cabin Motel
2515 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ
August 2008 (now gone)
       [bizarre_66holbrook_7272_s.jpg]
Tepees
Wigwam Motel #6
811 W. Hopi Dr.
Holbrook, AZ
June 2008
       [bizarre_programmatic100_0993_s.jpg]
Tepees
Wigwam Motel #7
2728 W. Foothill Blvd.
Rialto, CA
March 2011


[bizarre_donuts6_s.jpg]
Donut
The Donut Hole
15300 E. Amar Rd.
La Puente, CA
October 2010
       [bizarre_spaceage1_s.jpg]
Flying Saucer
Space Age Lodge
401 E. Pima St.
Gila Bend, AZ
November 2008
       [bizarre_programmatic1975-07_s.jpg]
Football
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Dr. NW
Canton, OH
August 1975

Also visit my Programmatic Signs page.

Last visited: As noted above.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.

Revised: February 18, 2025
Copyright © 2011-2025 Joe Orman
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