HOLLYWOOD PRESERVATION

Historic Fairfax Theatre could be replaced by apartment complex

(Los Angeles Public Library)

By Shelby Grad

Los Angeles Times

January 9, 2009

The Fairfax district could be losing a major landmark.

A developer is proposing replacing the Art Deco-style Fairfax Theatre and the thrift shop next door at Fairfax Avenue and Beverly Boulevard with a residential complex.

According to Curbed L.A., a developer wants to gut the building and create more than 70 residential units as part of a mixed-use development. The Larchmont Chronicle says the developer would keep the Art Deco facade, but that has not stopped some residents from vowing a fight.

Critics note that the Fairfax is one of the last independent theaters in Los Angeles. Such nonchain cinemas have been hit hard by the recession. “The Fairfax is going to be our flagship to try to save neighborhood theaters,” said Brian Curran, a board member of Hollywood Heritage told the Chronicle. 

A group, Friends of the Fairfax Theatre, has created a Facebook page to fight the closure. “The Fairfax now faces a threat to its existence by developers. Being one of the last few remaining neighborhood movie houses left in L.A., let alone the country as a whole, it needs to be preserved. Please join us as we save this Fairfax District institution,” the group says.

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Preservationists try to block demolition of Basque nightclub

INCARNATIONS: Gregory Paul Williams stands at Hollywood and Vine with a photo of the building he and other preservationists are trying to save. Originally the Coco Tree Cafe, it became Melody Lane, then Hody’s Restaurant.

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1939 renovation eliminated much of the architect’s design, as well as the building’s historical significance, city council finds. The site was damaged in an April fire that remains unsolved.

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By Bob Pool

October 31, 2008

Preservationists hoping to save the facade of a Richard Neutra-designed building at Hollywood’s most famous corner have been told they are 70 years too late to stop demolition.

Workers are removing the remains of the Basque nightclub, which was gutted about six months ago by a mysterious predawn fire at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

The owner of the site ordered the tear-down after deciding that the damaged building was a safety hazard and that a 1939 remodel of the place had erased all evidence of Neutra’s styling.   (Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for more)

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Laemmle Building Demolished!

 Demolition of the Laemmle Building last Friday

By Allan R. Ellenberger 

The historic Laemmle Building on the northwest corner of Hollywood and Vine was demolished last Friday. Preservationists contend that the tearing down of the building, built by Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle in 1932, is federally illegal. The building has been vacant since it was damaged in an unsolved arson fire in April.

The intersection of Hollywood and Vine has been famous since the 1930s because many of Hollywood’s important radio stations were located nearby.  “Brought to you from Hollywood and Vine” was a familiar opening to many early radio broadcasts.

The Laemmle Building in the 1950s

Carl Laemmle, paid the George W. Hoover (builder of the Hollywood Hotel) estate $350,000 for the property in 1925. At the time, that was the highest price paid for real estate in Hollywood (the lot sold for $15,000 in 1912). In 1928 Laemmle refused a $1,000,000 offer for the corner.

Originally Laemmle planned to build a 900-seat theater and office building valued at $250,000. At some point in mid 1932 revisions were made to build a one story building with foundation specifications for additional stories to be added later (which never came about). Designed by famed architect, Richard Neutra in the International Style, construction began in September 1932, and was completed early the following year.

The Laemmle Building fire last April 30th

At the time of the April fire, the building housed the Basque Nightclub and Restaurant, a popular celebrity hangout. Actress Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 21st birthday there and rap star Kanye West partied there earlier in April. Scenes from the movie Ocean’s Eleven were filmed there and the property had recently been sold as part of a renovation renaissance in Hollywood.

While many historic buildings have been saved from destruction in Hollywood (and many more have been lost), the sudden demolition of the Laemmle Building questions the commitment of city officials on preservation issues in Los Angeles.

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