Last week, the Los Angeles City Council designated the city’s oldest surviving restaurant of the Norms chain a historic and cultural monument. Built in 1957, the La Cienega Boulevard diner was designed by architects Louis Armet and Eldon Davis in the Googie style. The futuristic design movement originated in Southern California in the late ’40s and used bold curves and sharp angles to draw motorists to roadside businesses.
City officials heard public outcry when the building, noted for its elongated diamond façade and trademark sign, was slated for demolition. Preservationists fought swiftly for its protection on the grounds of architectural significance as well as human value—Norms, they argued, was a community mainstay.
In an event held earlier this year, Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner disclosed that his acclaimed television show got its start at the restaurant, where he penned notes on its first episodes. “We should recognize its artistic value, its symbolism as a vision of Los Angeles,” said Weiner. “It is an inspiration and a treasure and should be treated as such.”
Any demolition at Norms now requires additional approval by the city council, and with such an outpouring of support from the community, that approval may be hard to get.
For more information on the preservation of Norms La Cienega, visit laconservancrg .
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