Film Row loses one
A one-story building along Film Row that was to be redeveloped was destroyed in Saturday’s storms.
A one-story building along Film Row that collapsed during Saturday’s storms was set to be redeveloped for a law firm but now is deemed to be beyond salvaging.
Andy Burnett and Jeff Johnson, who have redeveloped several historic and older buildings downtown, bought the property at 631 W California for $259,000 last June.
Burnett said he was surprised the building collapsed, though he was aware it had no roof. The building was inspected when it was purchased and again two weeks ago, and Burnett said he had no reason to fear the building would collapse.
“We had been trying to decide if we wanted to add two floors or not,” Burnett said. “We didn’t want to roof it until we had finished our architectural plans.”
Burnett determined the building cannot be salvaged after meeting Monday with inspectors. Records indicate it dates to the early 1920s when it was a “Cash and Carry” grocery.
“We bought it because of what was coming to the area,” Burnett said. “We planned on redeveloping it. We struck a deal with a law firm to move their offices and we were very excited about it. We felt like that would have been a good addition to the neighborhood, not just another bar and restaurant.”
Burnett and Johnson redeveloped the Mideke Building in Bricktown. Burnett was originally partnered on The Steelyard, and is a partner in the Century Center and West Village on Film Row developments, and also the restoration of the Pioneer Building on Broadway.
“We want to be good neighbors,” Burnett said. “We are good neighbors. We do not buy things and tear them down. We restore historic properties.”