The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission has imposed a 180-day stay on demolition of the Barry Building, a historic 1951 International Style structure in Brentwood designated as a cultural monument in 2007. The unanimous vote blocks both demolition and interior hazardous material removal, which could have altered the property beyond preservation.
The two-story building at 11973-11975 W. San Vicente Blvd. has served as a bookstore and café since 1960, first as Brentwood Books and later as Dutton’s Brentwood Books. Its courtyard and ground-floor retail space reflect its mid-century design by architect Milton H. Caughey. The commission’s action follows years of legal battles over the building’s future, including a 2012-2016 proposal by former owner Charlie Munger to replace it with a 73,000-square-foot retail and office complex.
Why did the commission halt demolition?
The commission ruled it has the authority to stay demolition orders even when approved by the City Council, a decision that overrides arguments from the building’s current owners, represented by Alston & Bird Law Firm. Owners had claimed the stay was ineffective, citing six years of unsuccessful buyer searches and the impracticality of relocation plans. The commission, however, sided with planning staff to explore preservation alternatives, including potential sales or donations.
What happens next?
City officials will now work to preserve the building, possibly by identifying buyers or relocating it. The 180-day stay prevents demolition but does not guarantee long-term survival. Owners may still challenge the decision legally, while preservation groups like the LA Conservancy and Angelenos for Historic Preservation have already filed litigation to block demolition. A possible next step could be creative solutions like owner-funded relocation, though feasibility remains unproven.
How does this affect Brentwood’s cultural heritage?
The Barry Building’s preservation could restore a key community landmark. As a former bookstore and café for nearly 50 years, it holds deep cultural ties, but its vacant state since 2017 has raised safety concerns, including break-ins. Historic preservation advocates argue the building’s neglect reflects a broader pattern of bypassing landmark protections, while demolition supporters cite structural risks and crime. The stay forces a reckoning: Can the city balance heritage protection with urban development needs?
Who are the key players?
The dispute involves multiple groups:
- Owners: 11973 San Vicente, LLC (managed by William H. Borthwick), successor to Charlie Munger’s Berkshire Hathaway-linked ownership.
- Preservationists: LA Conservancy and Angelenos for Historic Preservation, which allege owners rejected buyer negotiations and filed litigation.
- City: The Cultural Heritage Commission and planning department, now tasked with finding preservation solutions.
What legal challenges remain?
Owners may appeal the stay, arguing the commission overstepped its authority. Preservation groups have already filed lawsuits to block demolition, framing the case as a test of Los Angeles’ commitment to protecting historic-cultural monuments. The outcome could hinge on whether courts accept the commission’s interpretation of its powers—or whether demolition proceeds after the 180-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the owners still demolish the building?
No—only for 180 days. The stay blocks both demolition and hazardous material removal that could alter the structure.
Why was the Barry Building designated a historic-cultural monument?
The City Council cited its role in Brentwood’s cultural history and its architectural value as an example of the International Style, built in 1951.
What are the owners’ arguments for demolition?
They claim the building is dilapidated, a site for crime, and that preservation efforts—including relocation—are unfeasible.
With preservation groups filing lawsuits and owners likely to appeal, how do you see this case shaping future landmark disputes in Los Angeles?
