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March 20, 2007

HELP SAVE DUTTONS

A TEV reader writes in to advise us of efforts being made to designate the Brentwood building that houses Duttons Books a landmark.

"The courtyard building housing Dutton’s Books in Brentwood is threatened with demolition and development into an apartment/condo complex. Neighbors are organizing to have the building – one of the last remaining commercial examples of “mid-century California modern” architecture – designated a landmark. The LA Conservancy is on board. This designation would give the neighborhood a year to negotiate a better solution - and, we hope, allow Dutton’s to continue leasing their space and providing a gathering place for booklovers. Details are in the attached flyer. We need to show strong support and concern from neighbors, as this will be a political process, ultimately requiring a City Council vote."

You can view the flyer in question here .  We urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to lend your support to this cause.  It only takes a moment.

Posted by TEV at 12:31 AM in Local Heroes |

Comments

Maria

Please do not get rid of LA's history!! I am from New York City where its beauty has been preserved by sensitive people who believe in rootedness as a necessary component for human environments. Old buildings can be restored.

Posted by: Maria | March 22, 2007 at 03:25 PM

Loren

Contrary to the impression given by recent LA Times article and editorial, the building housing Dutton's is still in danger of the wrecking ball! The following is my reply to the LA Times editorial:

I was stunned when I read your July 9 editorial “Culture Wins One.”

The Barry Building in which Dutton’s is located is still slated for demolition.

Your editorial begins “Los Angeles has a way of plowing under its landmarks” and goes on to say “the rescue of Dutton’s from the wrecking ball is a victory.”

According to your own July 6 article, ironically entitled “Building Owners Says Dutton Stays,” the plans to demolish the Barry Building, in which Dutton‘s is located and with which it has such a symbiotic relationship, have not changed!

The community still strongly supports the designation of the Barry Building as a historic monument.

Without such a designation as a historic monument, the wrecking ball will demolish this cherished architectural gem which is such a significant part of Brentwood‘s history, with Dutton’s relegated to a new store to be built on a nearby site.

Posted by: Loren | July 11, 2007 at 03:34 PM

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