Is Former Tower Records Location Historic Monument?

The former Tower Records location at 8801 Sunset Blvd. made its fair share of history.

In 1971, it was the first store in the Tower chain to open in Los Angeles. In its 35-years of operation, it was a popular hangout for musicians and fans alike, attracting stars from Elton John to Mariah Carrey for autograph sessions.

But, is the location of the record store that closed its doors in 2006 a historic monument? That's the question the West Hollywood Historic Preservation Commission will consider on Tuesday.

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at the Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard, to hold a public hearing regarding a request to grant the building "cultural resource" status.

The resolution currently on the table is to deny the application of author Domenic Priore, who has been leading the charge to have the Tower Records location classified as a historic monument.

According to NBC Los Angeles, city staff has argued because the store's inventory and iconic red and yellow paint have been removed, it has little standing as a historic monument.

Priore, who penned "Riot on the Sunset Strip: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Last Stand in Hollywood," is persisting, nevertheless. He told NBC Los Angeles that though the building may lack the architectural qualities the commission seeks, Tower Records "means something, and people can identify with that. Looking at just architecture is the narrow thing to do."

The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the West Hollywood City Council, who will decide whether to grant the building "cultural resource status." A meeting date has not been set for that decision.