Los Angeles, January 11, 2026
A fire destroyed the 120-year-old Hollywood Center Motel in Los Angeles, causing significant damage. Firefighters rescued a trapped resident, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The motel, known for its historical significance and appearances in films, has faced neglect in recent years. Community efforts are underway to preserve such landmarks as the loss of the motel highlights the challenges of maintaining historical properties in the city.
Los Angeles, California
Historic Hollywood Motel Destroyed by Fire; Resident Rescued
Los Angeles, California – A devastating fire engulfed the historic Hollywood Center Motel early Sunday morning, leading to the destruction of the 120-year-old building and the rescue of a trapped resident. The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m., with large flames emerging from both floors upon the Los Angeles Fire Department’s arrival. Firefighters swiftly upgraded the call to a structure fire and requested additional support. They heard calls for help from inside and used a tall ladder to reach a 42-year-old man trapped on the second floor. The man had broken a window to escape the flames and was brought to safety, treated on the scene for a minor arm injury, and transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition. It took 70 firefighters an hour and 12 minutes to extinguish the blaze. After searching the building, no other victims were found, and none of the firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Historical Significance of the Hollywood Center Motel
The Hollywood Center Motel, constructed in 1905, was a notable landmark in Los Angeles. It was featured in the 1997 film “L.A. Confidential” and served as a filming location for several television series, including “The Rockford Files,” “Perry Mason,” and “T.J. Hooker.” The motel also hosted rock bands like Buffalo Springfield and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse during the 1960s. Despite its rich history, the building had become dilapidated and rundown in recent years. The business was shuttered in 2018, and its former owner and some longtime tenants continued to occupy the property until late 2024, when it was foreclosed on and vacated. Since then, the building had become a popular site for transients and homeless individuals.
Community Response and Preservation Efforts
Following the fire, Hollywood Heritage, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s history, expressed sorrow over the loss of the building. They stated that the structure could have been preserved and adapted for reuse as a community gem. The organization emphasized the importance of maintaining historic buildings and preventing their loss due to neglect. In early 2025, the owner submitted demolition permits to remove parts of the structure, which accelerated Hollywood Heritage’s efforts to have the building classified as a historic monument. The owner was supportive of these efforts and was prepared to redevelop the property in compliance with the new designation if granted. A Hollywood Heritage webinar was scheduled to highlight the history of the motel and discuss strategies to prevent the loss of more historic properties that have been neglected.
Background on ‘L.A. Confidential’ and Its Filming Locations
“L.A. Confidential,” released in 1997, is a neo-noir crime film set in 1950s Los Angeles. The film utilized various iconic locations to authentically depict the era, including the Hollywood Center Motel. Other notable filming sites featured in the movie include the Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, the Frolic Room on Hollywood Boulevard, and the Crossroads of the World shopping mall. These locations contributed to the film’s atmospheric portrayal of Los Angeles during that period.
Recent Losses of Historic Los Angeles Landmarks
The destruction of the Hollywood Center Motel comes nearly a year after another historic building, the 111-year-old Morrison Hotel, was also consumed by a blaze and destroyed. Both incidents highlight the challenges in preserving historic properties in Los Angeles and the importance of community efforts to maintain the city’s architectural heritage.
Firefighters’ Efforts and Community Impact
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s prompt and coordinated response was instrumental in preventing further casualties and damage. The rescue of the trapped resident underscores the department’s commitment to safeguarding the community. The loss of the Hollywood Center Motel is a significant blow to the local community, which had long cherished the building’s historical and cultural significance. Efforts to preserve such landmarks are crucial to maintaining the rich tapestry of Los Angeles’s history.
Investigation and Future Preservation Plans
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the blaze. In the aftermath, discussions about the preservation of historic buildings in Los Angeles have gained momentum. Community organizations, local officials, and preservationists are collaborating to develop strategies to protect and restore historic sites, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the city’s architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The fire that destroyed the Hollywood Center Motel serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of historic landmarks and the importance of preservation efforts. While the building’s loss is deeply felt, the community’s response and ongoing initiatives offer hope for the future of Los Angeles’s historic sites. Continued support and advocacy are essential to safeguard the city’s rich history for generations to come.
FAQ
What caused the fire at the Hollywood Center Motel?
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the blaze.
What is the Hollywood Center Motel known for?
The Hollywood Center Motel, constructed in 1905, was featured in the 1997 film “L.A. Confidential” and served as a filming location for several television series, including “The Rockford Files,” “Perry Mason,” and “T.J. Hooker.” The motel also hosted rock bands like Buffalo Springfield and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse during the 1960s.
What efforts are being made to preserve historic buildings in Los Angeles?
Community organizations, local officials, and preservationists are collaborating to develop strategies to protect and restore historic sites, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the city’s architectural heritage.
Has the Hollywood Center Motel been involved in any recent incidents?
Yes, the building had become dilapidated and rundown in recent years. The business was shuttered in 2018, and its former owner and some longtime tenants continued to occupy the property until late 2024, when it was foreclosed on and vacated. Since then, the building had been a popular site for transients and homeless individuals.
What other historic buildings in Los Angeles have been lost recently?
The destruction of the Hollywood Center Motel comes nearly a year after another historic building, the 111-year-old Morrison Hotel, was also consumed by a blaze and destroyed.
Key Features of the Hollywood Center Motel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Construction Year | 1905 |
| Notable Films Featured | “L.A. Confidential” (1997) |
| Television Series Featured | “The Rockford Files,” “Perry Mason,” “T.J. Hooker” |
| Notable Guests | Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young’s Crazy Horse |
| Recent Status | Vacant since late 2024, frequented by transients and homeless individuals |
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Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
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