Back in December of 2017, the Los Angeles Conservancy nominated the CBS Television City complex at 7800-7860 W. Beverly Blvd. as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument…and today the full City Council voted to approve the historic designation for the property. The designation was made in advance of a possible sale of the property, which fans of the buildings believed could lead to its demolition and eventual redevelopment.
After today’s vote, City Council Member David Ryu released a statement, saying:
“Today, we were able to preserve a piece of Los Angeles history and a vital part of our local economy,” Councilmember Ryu said. “CBS Television City doesn’t just house a storied past, but working sound stages that are crucial to our local economy.”
“The most recent figures show sound stage occupancy rate at around 96 percent,” Councilmember Ryu said. “Keeping Television City’s sound stages intact keeps Los Angeles jobs intact. This is an example of how saving Los Angeles’ history secures Los Angeles’ future. Now, we can ensure the same sound stages which once held I Love Lucy and The Carol Burnett Show will keep serving the film and television industry for years to come.”
The new landmark status doesn’t make it impossible to tear down the historic production complex, but it would assure that a design review process be conducted if a redevelopment project is proposed.
