A petition circulated by the community group calls on city leaders to halt the planned demolition of a designated Historic-Cultural Monument in Brentwood, arguing the case could establish a precedent for property owners to neglect historic sites
A growing preservation fight on Los Angeles’ Westside is raising alarms in Venice, where community advocates warn that the potential demolition of a historic building in Brentwood could threaten some of the neighborhood’s most culturally significant landmarks.
A petition circulated by the community group Defend Venice calls on city leaders to halt the planned demolition of the Barry Building, a designated Historic-Cultural Monument located in Brentwood. Supporters argue the case could establish a precedent enabling property owners to neglect historic sites and later seek approval to demolish them.
“This does not stay in Brentwood,” the petition states. “It threatens every heritage site in Los Angeles.”
In Venice, preservationists say the implications are particularly acute. Among the sites cited as vulnerable are the First Baptist Church of Venice, described as a multigenerational Black heritage site; the Monday Women’s Club; the Venice Arcades and Columns on Windward, a remnant of developer Abbot Kinney’s early 20th-century vision; the Venice City Hall; and the former Venice West Café, associated with the Beat Generation.
The petition centers on the Barry Building, also known as Historic-Cultural Monument No. 887, once home to Dutton’s Brentwood Bookstore. The building has remained vacant for years. Its owners have sought demolition approval without proposing a replacement project, according to petition organizers.
Advocates allege the situation reflects a broader “demolition-by-neglect” pattern, in which property owners allow historic structures to deteriorate before arguing they are beyond repair. If approved, they say, the strategy could be replicated citywide.
The issue has drawn scrutiny toward the Los Angeles City Council, which is expected to decide the matter.
The property lies within Council District 11, represented by Traci Park. Petition supporters contend her office has backed the demolition process, though city officials have not publicly detailed final action.
