Arts & Entertainment
Demolition Halted at KCET Studios
City inspectors halted work until it is clear which parts of the lot are covered by conservation protections.
Council member Tom LaBonge is calling for an investigation into proposed demolition work at the former KCET studios, now owned by the Church of Scientology.
LaBonge said he introduced the emergency motion after his office received calls from constituents who thought demolition had already begun there.
Brick pavers inscribed with the names of major KCET donors were already being removed. At issue is whether those bricks fall under the site's
cultural monument status.
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Department of Building and Safety spokesman Dave Lara said an inspector sent to KCET Wednesday halted the work until the planning department can determine which parts of the lot get historic protection.
"I don't want to see the land of the studio not have a full historic review,'' LaBonge said.
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LaBonge said the city's planning deparment did not give him a satisfactory answer about the review.
KCET, at 4401 W. Sunset Blvd., in Silver Lake is a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument.
KCET sold the lot to raise funds after going independent in January.
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