Wait—Did Southlawn Plaza Really Fix That Light Pole in Amarillo?

Some Amarillo changes we roll with and are just fine with. Some happen, and it feels a little bit like we lost a friend. For whatever reason, we end up missing something that we have grown to expect to see.

No matter how many times you drive by Southlawn Plaza on South Washington, you may have noticed this one landmark. It's not a store. It's not a restaurant. Though both are part of that shopping center.
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It used to be the home of Pitter Patter Pets, who unfortunately closed down in 2021. There is a Family Dollar and El Jalapeno in that location. There is also a Toot'n Totum and Southlawn Liquor.

One thing that was part of that center was a light pole, one that, at some point, was hit by what I can only imagine was a vehicle. You know how great some of our Amarillo drivers can be. Since that happened, this one light pole just sort of leaned.

Southlawn Plaza Light Pole in 2019 - Pre Accident

Sometime between 2019 and 2021, things changed. In 2019, the pole between Pitter Patter Pets and what will soon be Family Dollar was standing tall and proud. Then it was not, and we started to take notice.

Southlawn Light Pole in 2021 and Beyond

It became something that was like that for years. Until very recently. I guess in all of the improvements around this city, that leaning light pole was bothering someone. It had to be fixed.
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I mean, the light still fulfilled its destiny. It did light up when needed, but apparently it had to be taken away. That one shred of personality that our city grew to look at and just smile at as they drove past.

The pole has been fixed, but not the shopping center sign. Not sure why? Drive by, check it out, and don't tell me you feel a little bit on the saddened side of things.

Not only was the light pole fixed so it no longer leans. It also has some sort of supercharged light that now shines bright as can be. I'm not quite sure if that was necessary or not, but here we are.