It’s been an up-and-down week for Johnie’s Coffee Shop, which was designated historical last Wednesday and then defaced in the same week.

(photo by Aaron Blevins)

During its meeting on Nov. 27, the Los Angeles City Council approved a recommendation by the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission to list the structure as a historic-cultural monument. Representatives of the Los Angeles Conservancy praised the decision.

“The conservancy is thrilled that this beloved Googie icon has the official recognition and protection it deserves,” said Linda Dishman, the organization’s executive director. “Johnie’s is one of L.A.’s finest examples of the bold Googie architecture popular in the 1950s and ’60s. It’s an irreplaceable reminder of L.A.’s postwar exuberance and optimism. “We’ve worked closely with the building’s owners to discuss potential options for the long-term preservation of Johnie’s. We appreciate the collaboration of the owners and the work of our volunteer modern committee.”

However, the structure has been the victim of taggers recently. Though it is unknown when the structure was defaced, the vandalism was quite distinguishable above the structure’s iconic roof early this week.