Can This Beloved LA Landmark Survive a Chicken Finger Takeover?
Los Angeles is on the verge of losing one of its most recognizable landmarks to the siren call of chicken fingers. On December 5th, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission will decide the fate of Norm’s La Cienega, a Googie-style diner with a history as rich as its classic burgers and shakes.
The 1957 icon, designed by renowned architects Armet & Davis, could soon become a Raising Cane’s restaurant. The change comes as Norm’s lease expires in December 2026, leaving the door open for the fast-food chain to take over the site in 2027.
"Norm’s lease for the property ends in December 2026, and if the change is approved by the Commission, the location would become a Raising Cane’s restaurant in 2027," the commission stated in a press release.
While the diner’s landmark status protects its physical structure from demolition and ensures any alterations align with preservation guidelines, it can’t dictate the building’s future use. Whether it remains a nostalgic haven for classic Americana or succumbs to the ever-expanding fast-food empire is now in the hands of the Commission.
Norm’s La Cienega holds a unique place in the city’s cultural tapestry. Founded in 1949 by Los Angeles native Norm Roybark, the diner quickly became a flagship location for the chain, which eventually expanded to 18 locations across Southern California.
“Norm’s was founded in 1949 by Los Angeles native Norm Roybark,” the commission noted in its statement. “The La Cienega location became a flagship for the chain, which expanded to 18 locations across Southern California. Known for its bold design and affordability, the restaurant chain holds a special place in the city’s cultural and architectural history.”
"The 1957 Googie-style diner, designed by celebrated architect Armet & Davis, is one of the city’s most iconic examples of the space-age aesthetic that defined Los Angeles roadside architecture," it added.
The commission encourages residents to participate in the upcoming meeting and voice their concerns. They can attend in person, join virtually via Zoom, submit written comments online via [email protected], or call in to the meeting.
Big Chicken Fight?
The potential transformation of Norm’s La Cienega into a Raising Cane’s has sparked debate across the city. Locals worry about losing a piece of their history to another chain restaurant, while others see it as inevitable in a city constantly evolving.
The meeting promises to be a lively one, where the future of this Los Angeles landmark will be fiercely debated by passionate Angelenos.
Meeting Details:
- Date and Time: December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
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Location: Los Angeles City Hall, Room 1010 (10th floor), 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Virtual Access:
- Zoom Link: https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/j/84514834313
- Meeting ID: 845 1483 4313
- Passcode: 769007
- Phone Access: Dial (213) 338-8477 or (669) 900-9128, then enter the Meeting ID and press #.
