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Preservation Group Warns Demolition Permit Issued For Classic Norms Coffee Shop

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A fight to designate an iconic coffee shop as a cultural monument could be going down to the wire.

Members of the nonprofit Los Angeles Conservancy issued a public notice Wednesday on Twitter that the new owners of Norms Coffee Shop at 470 La Cienega Blvd. received a permit Jan. 5 to demolish the building.

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.

The 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 Conservancy nominated Norms La Cienega in December (PDF) for designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument due to "its enduring significance in Los Angeles' postwar landscape."

While an active permit was issued, the building will be offered interim protection if the Cultural Heritage Commission decides to act when it takes up the issue on Thursday. That protection would last until any action by the City Council is taken.

Patrons and other supporters, meanwhile, are urged to contact the Conservancy "immediately" if they see any removal of signage, large construction equipment, or other activity.

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