The Most Iconic Norm's Restaurant Might Get a Date With the Wrecking Ball

Just last week, the Roybark family sold the Norm's Restaurant chain to a Jim Balis, who owns a slew of franchises such as Dunkin' Donuts and Boston Market. Though the original intention was to preserve the overall approach to classic diner fare, Balis was planning to increase the number of Norm's outlets, possibly in a turn to make it into the next Denny's.

However, the L.A. Conservancy has caught wind that the new owner of the Norm's in West Hollywood, with its iconic Googie sign and sweeping cantilevered rooftop, is in danger of being torn down. On January 5, the owner received a permit to demolish the building. As a response, the Conservancy is attempting to designate the mid-century design as a Historic-Cultural Monument, thereby preserving the building.

Architects Louis Arment and Eldon Davis helped design this structure, which was completed in 1957, in the height of the post-war boom. This particular building was even immortalized in an Edward Ruscha painting from 1964.

On January 15, the L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission will meet to vote in support of the issue, so to help save the building, call or email city councilmember Paul Koretz