An upcoming Discount Tire project in Fredericksburg, Texas, will mark a new chapter for 501 Friendship Lane, a site with deep roots in the community. This location has transformed over decades, from farmland to an iconic drive-in theater and now into a growing commercial hub.
Historic Beginnings: The 87 Drive-In
The 87 Drive-In opened on June 11, 1949, becoming a beloved entertainment destination. It featured a single screen with a capacity for 300 cars, providing a place where families and friends could enjoy movies under the Texas sky. The drive-in remained active through the 1960s, as confirmed by aerial images and historical accounts. However, like many drive-ins across the country, it eventually closed, likely in the 1970s, as indoor theaters gained popularity.
By 1966, historical advertisements still showcased popular films like “Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster” and “Horror of Party Beach”. Today, remnants of the old drive-in have been erased, but its location remains a nostalgic marker of Fredericksburg’s past.
Transformation Over Time
In a 1955 aerial image, the area was largely rural, dotted with orchards and farmland. The curved structure of the drive-in lot is visible, with the surrounding land untouched by commercial activity.
Fast forward to the present day, the satellite image reveals a vastly different landscape. Friendship Lane now hosts hotels, automotive businesses, and dining options, signaling the rapid growth of this part of Fredericksburg. Notable establishments nearby include Fairfield Inn & Suites and McLane Ford.
Discount Tire: New Development
The scope of work features site development, structure, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Start Date: February 2025
- Completion Date: November 2025
Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by F. E. Mufute