As you all may have already heard, Corky's in Sherman Oaks is closing its doors permanently this Sunday, December 15th at 3 pm and relocating to a new location. 

There has been a rumor circulating on social media of the possible demolition of this historic building to make room for a new Chick-fil-A location. This rumor has not been officially confirmed. 

Many of us in the community are concerned about the future of this historic Googie-style building once Corky's vacates the property and who the new tenants will be. 

I have confirmed with the LA City Planning Department that they have received the application to preserve and protect the building. The Los Angeles Conservancy is "...closely following the issue, and a Historic-Cultural Monument nomination has recently been submitted."

Let your voice be heard by signing this petition and showing your support in preserving this historic Armét & Davis building built in 1958 and designating it as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.  After you sign the petition, please share this petition with your friends on social media.

You can also email Councilman David Ryu's office at cd4.issues@lacity.org to voice your concerns.

I was sent the statement below from Councilman David Ryu's office that was made public by Fuller Realty Corporation who are the owners of the property:

Statement by Fuller Realty Corporation on Corky’s Restaurant Historic Preservation 

December 10, 2019 

In the 1950s, the Fuller family bought vacant land at 5043 Van Nuys Boulevard, just down the street from their house, and built an Armet & Davis building with Stan Burke, who operated the first restaurant at the location. In 1999, after numerous tenants and name changes, a new Corky’s operated by George Metsos, unaffiliated with the original, signed a lease, which has been extended twice. The rent has been the same amount since January 1, 2014. When the current lease agreement was about to expire, Metsos was offered an extension for up to six (6) months at a monthly rate less than he had proposed in a draft lease amendment and at the same rate that Metsos said he was being offered at another building. The rental increase was about 13.5% after not being raised for 5 years. The family also requested that Metsos not interfere with the family’s future use of the property. However, Metsos declined the offer and indicated that he intended to move to a new location closer to Ventura Boulevard. The family will secure the property with a fence and other measures once Corky’s vacates the property. 

Preservation plays a critical role in connecting today’s urban environment to the city’s roots and historical development. The family that has owed the building for more than 60 years is working with the City, preservationists, and outside experts to preserve the historical elements of the building before any new tenants move in. No plans have been submitted and no demolition permits have been applied for or issued. The decision on what historical elements will be retained will be guided by preservation professionals using local and nationwide standards and criteria. While Corky’s diner has chosen to relocate, the community can be assured that the family wants the historic elements of the Googie-style restaurant designed by Armet & Davis to remain. 

Photo credit: Larry Underhill

For more information:

https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/corkys-closing​

https://la.curbed.com/2019/12/9/21003366/googie-corkys-diner-sherman-oaks-closing-demolition