ADVERTISEMENT

L.A. diner famed for 'Googie' architecture saved from threat of demolition

By Daina Beth Solomon

LOS ANGELES, May 20 (Reuters) - A Los Angeles diner celebrated as a classic example of mid-20th century Space Age-style Googie architecture was granted historic monument status by city officials on Wednesday, protecting it from the threat of demolition.

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously with three people absent to designate the 1956 Norms restaurant as a "historic-cultural monument," citing the need to preserve distinctive buildings of the city.

Owners of the restaurant and cultural touchstone on La Cienega Boulevard had obtained a demolition permit earlier this year, prompting conservationists and officials to rally to preserve the site. They obtained a unanimous recommendation from the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission to protect it.

"One of the worst things about L.A. is that we've torn down a lot of our heritage," City Councilman Paul Koretz told Reuters. "One of the best things is we're now fighting to save it."

ADVERTISEMENT

Under the new designation, developers seeking to change or raze the site would need to undergo significant and lengthy reviews.

"We expect there's not any way it will get demolished," said Koretz, adding that he is working with the owners to keep Norms at the site.

The restaurant, part of the Norms diner chain in Southern California, was designed by architects Louis Armet and Eldon Davis. It is famous as an example of Googie architecture with its cantilevered roofline, sharp angles and sweeping curves.

The post-World War Two architectural style originated in Southern California and was often employed for coffee shops. It is characterized by Space Age design elements, taking influences from cars and jets.

It has also influenced the city's artists and writers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tom Waits mentioned the Norms location in his song "Eggs and Sausage," while artist Edward Ruscha painted it in his "Norms La Cienega On Fire" and "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner wrote early notes there for the hit television show that depicted 1960s America.

Koretz called it perhaps the best remaining example of the Googie style in Los Angeles, and said he aims to work with owner JDM Holdings to keep it alive as a "community institution."

A number of other notable eateries similar to the Norms location have been torn down over the years in Los Angeles, he said. (Editing by Mary Milliken and Frances Kerry)

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT