Cultural Commission Agrees To Nominate Norms For Historical Status
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The city's Cultural Heritage Commission Thursday unanimously agreed to nominate the famous Norms restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard to be considered as a historical monument.
Members of the nonprofit Los Angeles Conservancy issued a public notice Wednesday on Twitter that the new owners of Norms Coffee Shop received a permit Jan. 5 to demolish the building.
The ruling Thursday prevents the new owners from tearing down the restaurant for 75 days.
The commission came to their decision after hearing from architects, writers, historians and long-time residents who also praised Norms as a significant building for the city.
Built in 1956, Norms La Cienega is considered a classic architectural example of the California coffee shop and an icon of the post-World War II Googie movement of the 1950s and 60s.
"This was an example of modern architecture in modern times that the average person could enjoy," said one speaker.
"We're now literally down to handful and this is one of the best remaining buildings," another man told the commission.
The 24-hour restaurant chain dates back even further to 1949, when owner Norman Royback opened the first location at Sunset and Vine, according to the Conservancy. After remaining in the family for three generations, the Norms chain was finally sold late last year.
The protection will last until an official historical designation vote is taken by the City Council.
The new owners of the building said while they have obtained a demolition permit, they have no immediate plans to tear down the restaurant.
RELATED: Preservation Group Warns Demolition Permit Issued For Classic Norms Coffee Shop