On January 5, the new owner of the Norms La Cienega (the property, not the restaurant) applied for and received a demolition permit for the iconic Googie restaurant at 470-478 La Cienega Blvd.

The L.A. Conservancy and our Modern Committee had submitted a local landmark (Historic-Cultural Monument, or HCM) nomination for Norms La Cienega in December. On January 15, the city's Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously to consider the nomination. This decision protects the building from demolition during the HCM nomination process.

At the January 15 hearing, representatives for the new property owner stated that the owner has no plans to demolish the building. We look forward to working with the new owner to ensure the long-term preservation of Norms La Cienega.

If the new owner has no plans to demolish the building, we urge them to voluntarily vacate the active demolition permit as an act of good faith and to restore public confidence.

For more background on the issue, visit the Conservancy's website (after signing the petition!)

Photo by Hunter Kerhart Photography