UPDATE: 1/25/2009
Please join us tonight for a last swing dance at The Derby.
We are rapidly updating this site with current information and latest news. To learn what's next for The Derby and the historic building at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., join our email list by writing to:
savethederby@yahoo.com
PUBLIC MOMENTUM MADE THE DERBY A MONUMENT!
GET INVOLVED!
HAVE A SAY IN WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
On May 19th, 2006, the building was officially declared a Historic Cultural Monument of the City of Los Angeles by unanimous (10-0) vote of the City Council. This beautiful, historic 1928 structure with its magnificent domed roof is the last Brown Derby restaurant from Hollywood's Golden Age still standing. It’s a landmark in our hearts and with the hard work of a community that cares, it is officially a landmark on paper. The “Los Feliz Brown Derby” (known and loved by many as “The Derby”) is Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument # 843.
So what does monument status do?
- The L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission makes sure that renovation or alterations meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, the nationally accepted criteria for evaluating change to historic properties;
- The L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission can stop a demolition permit for 180 days, with an additional 180 day extension with approval of the City Council to pursue preservation alternatives;
- California law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), protects the building from adverse impacts without environmental review (see the State Office of Historic Preservation document on CEQA and historical resources);
For more information about preservation of city monuments, visit the website of LA Office Of Historic Resources: http://preservation.lacity.org/monument-status
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! WE DID IT BEFORE, WE CAN DO IT AGAIN!
Derby hats off to everyone who helped in the landmark process. It takes a village to save a building! Special thanks to:
Marcello Vavalla, Jay Platt and the LA Conservancy for their extraordinary work in preparing the historic nomination; Robert Nudelman, Marc Wanamaker and Hollywood Heritage for amazing archival photos, historical information and preservation support; The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council for their community outreach, the Town Hall meeting and remarkable civic dedication representing the neighborhood at City Hall.
Extra Special thanks to L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge (4th District) for his consistent support and preservation leadership. In 1992, he declared “Derby Day" in L.A., in 2005 at the Town Hall meeting he rallied for Derby Day every day, and in 1996 he gave his support when it mattered most - - when the City Council voted to make the Los Feliz Brown Derby a Landmark!
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