The old sign is still the most prominent feature at the corner of Santiam Highway and Bain Street.
Even as a new Mexican restaurant takes shape behind it, the big sign at the corner of Santiam Highway and Bain Street still advertises the place that closed there some five years ago.
Thousands of people pass the corner every day, and I go by there quite often too. But until I went past on the bike one afternoon this week, I hadn’t realized that construction of the new business, at least on the outside, is pretty far along.
After the old San Blas closed in 2017 and then started being remodeled, there was a long period when the building sat there half demolished. This prompted occasional questions on social media, and a story or two on this website.
As I reported last fall after construction resumed, the Albany city planning division had approved a site plan for expanding the building and improving the parking lot and grounds in early 2020. At the time the plans gave the name of the new restaurant: Rancho La Hacienda Real. Then a new building permit was approved last August.
The property is owned by Lee Ching Ping and Lai Kuen, who also own Ping’s Garden Restaurant in Albany. The building permit lists Northstar Quality Construction, of Salem, as the contractor on the job.
As for the sign, I think the design goes back to when the place was a Chinese restaurant. No word on whether the sign’s structure is to be replaced. But you’d think that sooner or later they’ll get rid of “San Blas.” (hh)
A closer look at the exterior design of Rancho La Hacienda Real.
I know the demolition and subsequent construction has been going on for quite a while but drat, yet another Mexican restaurant?
I know the demolition and subsequent construction has been going on for quite awhile but Joy, yet another Mexican restaurant…. owned and operated by persons of Asiatic heritage. This is what the American Promise is all about…Opportunity for any person willing to work hard, regardless of genetic background. Definitely cause for celebration.
The Story says owned, it doesn’t say operated.
Yes – I agree – another Mexican food restaurant! I was hoping for a Greek or Middle Eastern one……
Totally understandable considering our lack of immigration policy. Follow the money.
BK
Immigration policy, really??
There’s only a tiny chance that your ancestors came with the dirt.
More likely Ping is betting his money that he understands the local market.
The origin of my ancestors is irrelevant. They are here legally. That’s just typical LIB BS trying to throw dirt and divert the truth.
The fact Ping understands the market just confirms reality.
BK
Interesting point of view.
The thought about “came with the dirt” was that everybody in the western hemisphere descends from immigrants. That’s not a librul point of view.
Another mexican restaurant? *sigh*
Were you hoping for another pizza place?
How about a real steakhouse?
Yeah, ditto that. Anything would be better than another Mexican. American Buffet, more BBQ, Thai, Mongolian, etc., even more Italian would be welcome. I’m still missing Riverview Mongolian, Wyatt’s, Bo-Macks, Izzy’s, and many other restaurants we have never had here, like IHop, Original Roadhouse Grill, Famous Dave’s BBQ, and on and on. I know I’m dreaming for now.
All anyone has to do is convince a franchisor or stand-alone firm that it’s in their best interest to open their place in Albany…
RK
Yup. The investment bunch is interested in profit, growth, and low risk. Miss one, miss all.
Albany needs another Hereford Steer!
Also I’m excited for another Mexican food restaurant option in Albany. The more the merrier!