The Bing Crosby Building has been standing because a number of people realized its importance.  The first was an architect that gave up his commission because he would not let the building be torn down.  He felt it was a historic architecture.   The IEEE pressured me to get it declared a landmark because of the video tape development work there.

In researching how to make it a landmark, I found that it was not a simple task.  My research turned up another evaluation by West Hollywood that stated it qualified as historical architectural.  I applied for the forms from the State of California, and they sent me the paperwork.  After a number of discussions with them they helped me through the process.  There were four categories.  I applied for three of them (see my 11/7/2020 message above or the list below).  In the process I had to contact the owner, who was not keen on keeping the building.  After a number of discussions with his lawyer, a new plan was developed that kept the building as part of his development and its history.

I submitted the paperwork for the three categories, and it was considered a go for approval.  However, at the last minute the owner objected to keep his options open.  I had to plead my case before the State Commission, and they unanimously approved all three categories.  It is rare that a building qualifies in more than one or two. 

I am still in contact with the owner's lawyer, and the plans are still in place to keep it.  However, with all that has happened in the last year, the building and hotel site may be sold.  Anyone with an interest in keeping the building should make their case with the City of West Hollywood.  They are the organization that has the life or death decision about this historic building.

Bob Phillips

The building was granted status in Categories A, B and C:
[color=#000000]Category A - Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad

In July 2017  I sent to the State of California the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Crosby Building on the Sunset Strip.  After a couple of editorial changes, it was nominated to be considered by the State Historical Resources Commission at its meeting on 17 May 2018.  What appeared to be a rather straight forward meeting was changed at the last hour by the owner filing an objection to the nomination.  Fortunately I was in Palo Alto, California where the State meeting was held and was able to present testimony before the commission as to why the building should be listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The commission voted unanimously for granting the national listing.  The State has sent it on to the National Park Service which grants the national status.  Since the owner objected, it will be listed as “eligible for National Status.”  However, the State of California will list it as a State Historic Place without any restrictions.

The building was granted status in Categories A, B and C:
Category A - Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. This building was the primary office of Bing Crosby and the location where the first video tape recorder was developed.
Category B - Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. The people were Bing Crosby and John T. (Jack) Mullin.
Category C - Property has distinctive characteristics and high artistic values.

The present situation with the building is that the owner has had his business ventures delayed.  I am in periodic contact with his attorney.  The plan is to incorporate the building into a tower hotel behind it.  It is to be kept as a historic object and used for a restaurant.  I also believe that the city of West Hollywood would like to preserve it.  However, the historic status does not prevent it from being torn down.  Anyone in the Los Angeles area sho