We have until Sept. 9 to write letters supporting sparing the Streamline Moderne Sontag building from demolition. Read on and Take Action!
What makes you want to hug a historic building? We want to hear how historic buildings speak to you. Why do you love driving down the Miracle Mile, or soaking in the historic ambiance of a restaurant or bar? Why did you choose to live in a historic home? Why do you delight in opportunities to attend events in a historic space like the Oviatt Building, Pantages Theatre or Bullock’s Wilshire?
The moment has arrived for you to share these personal feelings with Council District 5. They need to know that citizens care about the integrity of our historic districts.
We are not providing a form letter to copy and paste, because these letters need to convey your emotion. However, we have a lot of helpful tips below. Your letter should explain to CD5 that you are among the large contingency of citizens of Los Angeles (and elsewhere) who feel historic architecture in your core.
At last week’s hearing CD 5’s Planner Charles Turner read a statement in support of the Mirabel development that chooses to demolish the 1936 Streamline Moderne building, known as Sontag Drugs, at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Cloverdale. The proposal is to retain two walls. Although the “decorative” part of the façade will remain, the floor, ceiling and two walls will be demolished. This is not historic preservation.
This partial demolition removes the Sontag building as a contributor to the historic Miracle Mile district. According to the city, the area will lose its status as a historic district if the number of contributors drops below 60%. With the loss of the Sontag the district will be at 58% historic contributors. City Planning will take comment until September 9, but please don't delay in sending your letter! Other contributors may already be targeted for demolition by developers who have not yet submitted plans to the City for re-development. We don’t know.
The Sontag as Wilshire Beauty 2021.
We do not oppose the development in general (read more about it below). Although many people called into the hearing on August 27 to discuss noise, toxins in the neighborhood and other issues related to the construction of a massive development that will tower above the Miracle Mile at 42 stories, we can only comment on the threat to historic preservation.
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles believes that this building can be incorporated into the development. We also believe that this district of historic Art Deco and Streamline Moderne buildings is an integral part of the culture of Los Angeles and serves as an extension of the museum experience on Museum Row.
If you agree, please join us in sending your thoughts to Council District 5, as well as to City Planning and the developer, using the email addresses below.
HOW TO DRAFT YOUR COMMENTS:
1. Answer the question why you feel deeply connected to historic architecture and feel that it is a vital part of your life and well-being.
2. Mention any connection you have to the Miracle Mile, Park La Brea neighborhood. Share a personal story. Why would the loss of more historic buildings there impact the city.
3. State that you do not approve of the Sontag Drug building, a historic resource, being demolished and that the developer should incorporate the entire structure into the project.
4. Include these CASE NUMBERS: VTT-82716-CN / CPC-2020-3143-DB-MCUP-CDO-SPR-HCA / Env Case # ENV-2019-3937-EIR
5. If you live in CD5 (Katy Yaroslavsky's district) mention it. If you are a member of ADSLA, neighborhood groups, LA Conservancy, etc. mention that too.
Councilmember.Yaroslavsky@lacity.org
Charles.turner@lacity.org
jenny.torres@lacity.org
ryan.ly@lacity.org
Filomena.Fuchs@lacity.org
cpc@LAcity.org
wally@wnmrealty.com
artdeco@artdecoLA.org
About the Mirabel Project
At 42 stories this mixed use residential/commercial space is comprised of 348 total apartments (including studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units), with 29 units restricted as affordable housing for very low-income households. Details.
The 1936 Sontag Drugstore Building is located at 5401 Wilshire Boulevard. The architects were Norstrom and Anderson, noted commercial architects of the era.
Read more about ADSLA's efforts to preserve the Sontag Building over the past few years here.