Massive redevelopment at the corner of Wilshire and La Brea has sparked outrage and concern from residents than the neighborhood might be losing its Art Deco identity. So when Firestone Tires left their historic Streamline Moderne building at Eighth and La Brea—a city landmark and former David Lynch film set—earlier this year, curiosity over its future use was piqued. According to the Larchmont Buzz, Conroy Commercial has the property in escrow, and they say they're already actively seeking new tenants who are a good fit for the 1937 structure.
Conroy has already put up "For Lease" signs. They're seeking "a single tenant, most likely a restaurant or showroom, who can best take advantage of the building's dramatic open floor plan and high ceilings."
The building, constructed in 1937, was named a Historic Cultural Monument by the city back in 2012, and the new owners seem respectful of that. A representative from Conroy said that the company has had talks with the Los Angeles Conservancy about properly preserving the structure.
The nearby Sycamore Square Neighborhood Association president, Ann Eggleston, is "cautiously optimistic that Conroy recognized the historical status and character of the building," and would like to see it restored. Eggleston also hopes to work with the new owners to "provide authentic neighborhood input on any entitlement applications, as we did with the recent Mansfield, Order Fire and 7-Eleven projects."
· Conroy Commercial Set to Become New Owner of Historic Firestone Building [Larchmont Buzz]
· 1937 Firestone Tire Building/David Lynch Set Gets Landmarked [Curbed LA]
· Wilshire La Brea Mixed-User May Be LA's New Most-Hated [Curbed LA]
· Wilshire La Brea Overcomes Turmoil, Aims for 2014 Opening [Curbed LA]