A rare site associated with Japanese American heritage is now damaged and at risk, despite pending status as a Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM).  

560 and 564 N Virgil Ave are the last two remaining boarding houses in Los Angeles that served the Japanese / Japanese American community both before and after WWII. The buildings shed light on the lives of immigrant laborers and families that developed the J Flats enclave in East Hollywood and demonstrate the strength of the multiracial network that helped incarcerated Japanese Americans resettle after WWII.  

Recently, the owner has conducted a series of alterations without permits and approval by the City of Los Angeles that flagrantly violate the pending Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) process and the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety (LADBS) stop-work order. This action has destroyed some character-defining features of both buildings that threaten their ability to convey their historic significance.  

Similar to the recent action taken at the former Pig ‘n Whistle in Hollywood, and another owner harming features on a historic building with proper permits in place, this pattern illustrates how L.A. needs stronger tools and deterrents to protect historic places.  

To help, reach out to Councilmember O’Farrell’s office and file a complaint with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), https://housingapp.lacity.org/ReportViolation/Pages/ReportViolation  

MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW.

THE HISTORIC-CULTURAL MONUMENT NOMINATION REPORT

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