Group pushes for Norms in Mid-City to be declared historic monument

MID-CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Norms restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard in Mid-City is facing demolition unless conservationists can get it declared a historic monument.

The Los Angeles Conservancy filed a nomination form with the Cultural Heritage Commission to make that happen.

The group says the 24-hour coffee shop, which was built in 1957, is a true model for its stylized architecture that became very popular during the post-war time period, specifically in Southern California.

It is also known as Googie architecture, a modern and futuristic style, highlighting the fascination with the space age. The style was mostly popular for coffee shops and motels.

"It's a style of architecture which started in Southern California out of the Southern California lifestyle," said Alan Hess, an architect and author.

The current owners of the restaurant received a demolition permit on Jan. 5. An attorney for the owners said there are no current plans to demolish the building, but the owner was exploring redeveloping the site in the future.

The L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission voted Thursday to consider designating the property as a historic monument, temporarily halting the demolition permit. The commission has 75 days to decide whether or not to designate the building as a local landmark.

The Los Angeles City Council would make the final decision on the property.

Customer Tim Johnson of Los Angeles said he would be sad to see it go.

"It definitely reminds you of the 50s. It's just vintage. It's not something you see in restaurants in Los Angeles," said Johnson.