Century Plaza Developer Responds

Here's the statement from developer New Century in regards to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's inclusion of the Century Plaza Hotel on this year's list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. As noted before, the list generates much publicity, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of tact the developer takes going forward. And yup, the sagging economy is mentioned. Here's the statement: "We are disappointed to see the Century Plaza Hotel politicized in this way, particularly at a time when the City of Los Angeles is suffering from extreme economic hardship and is in dire need of new jobs. The naming of the hotel as an historic place is not supported by the facts. The building is less than 50 years old and does not qualify for consideration under stringent criteria for historic designation of a building of this recent age. [This fact is addressed in that LA Times story]. This is not considered one of the more significant Minoru Yamasaki buildings and is not characteristic of his style. The new Century Plaza plan is an exciting visionary design consistent with the Century City Specific Plan which contemplates this type of urban development. Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, it will have architectural significance well into the next century. We’re building a landmark for the future."