The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously on March 19 in favor of preserving Norms restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard as an historic-cultural monument.

City officials, preservationists and celebrities came together on March 26 outside Norms restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard to call for the restaurant to be preserved. Mike Colonna (center), president of Norms Restaurants LLC, said he is in discussions with the property owner, Norman Cienega LLC, about the restaurant remaining at the site. Colonna said he couldn’t go into details, but added that he is “optimistic” they will arrive at a solution allowing Norms to stay. Colonna was joined by Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District; Linda Dishman, executive director of the Los Angeles Conservancy; Matthew Weiner, creator of the television show “Mad Men”, actor James Darren and dozens of customers and employees. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The commission acted on a petition by the Los Angeles Conservancy to designate the restaurant as historic based on it being a significant example of Googie architecture, and an example of the work of the architectural firm, Armet & Davis. The conservancy also petitioned for Norms’ historical designation as part of the cultural fabric of the community.

The commission’s decision will now be forwarded to the Los Angeles City Council for consideration. A date for a council hearing has not yet been set.

The conservancy launched its preservation effort for Norms in December after it was learned that the property’s new owner, Norman Cienega LLC, had applied for a demolition permit for the site at 470-478 La Cienega Blvd. The effort gained steam in January after a demolition permit was issued. Many community members joined the conservancy in rallying to save the restaurant, which has been open since 1957.

An attorney for Norman Cienega LLC has stated that the property owner has no plans to demolish Norms, but has expressed interest in developing the property around the restaurant. No specific plans have been released.

The commission’s decision precludes any demolition work from occurring at the site until the city council holds a hearing. The restaurant’s current owners, Norms Restaurants LLC, have stated that they remain committed to keeping it open.

Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, supports preservation for Norms. His deputy, Paul Michael Neuman, provided a statement from Koretz following the commission’s decision.

“There is resounding public thought and sentiment wanting us not to lose Norms La Cienega coffee shop, which is an invaluable architectural asset and beloved and vibrant community institution,” the statement read. “Norms is revered in my 5th District, which is its home, but it is also a place [that] countless Angelenos have visited and adored. I strongly agree with [the] huge public outpouring in favor of protecting and saving Norms.”

The Mid-City West Community Council (MCWCC) voted in March to support the conservancy’s preservation efforts for Norm’s. Cary Brazeman, chair of the MCWCC’s Planning and Land Use Committee, said he is optimistic the city council will also vote to preserve the restaurant.

Brazeman added that he is a longtime customer of Norms, and the neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without it.

“My chili is safe, for now, and the ability for any and all from our community and across Los Angeles to enjoy Norms is protected,” Brazeman said. “The cultural heritage commission has recognized what we’ve known, and that is that Norms is a historic-cultural resource in Los Angeles.”