Thelma Todd Building Rescue
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Bob Brauer, organizer of the group "Save Thelma Todd Building.” You can find us on Facebook under that title or under Bob Brauer. In January the current owners plan on demolishing a grand, historical landmark.
Originally, this building was constructed as the Castellammare Business Center, housing multiple shops and a pharmacy for local residents. In 1934, well-known screen actress and comedienne, Thelma Todd teamed up with business partner, director Roland West. Roland's wife put up the money to purchase the building, Thelma's name was used to attract the public and Hollywood elite. It became a popular café called Joyas. Unfortunately, being a hot-spot, it also became a draw for the mob. They wanted the top portion of the restaurant for gambling to which Thelma said "no." Mysteriously, her lifeless body was discovered up the hill inside her garage in December, 1935. Cause of death, carbon monoxide poisoning…? To this day, there are many theories as to who murdered Thelma Todd and why. It remains one of Hollywood's sensational, unsolved mysteries.
For many years, since being a kid, I have visited this glorious building on PCH (just around the corner from Sunset Blvd. heading north). This 1927-28 built landmark has been preserved in pristine condition for many decades thanks to Paulist Productions. I had the pleasure of touring the building extensively inside and out through the kindness of Father Frank Desiderio. The interior is just as charming and unique as is the outside’s Spanish design. It’s a crowning achievement by renowned architect Mark Daniels. In that same year Mr. Daniels built what is now the Bank of America building in Pacific Palisades. That property has been designated a Historic-Cultural Landmark and cannot be torn down. Sadly, last December, Paulist Productions sold the Thelma Todd building. It is now threatened to be demolished by its current owners and to be dubiously replaced with high-rise condos!
Our fund-raising goal is to hire a consulting firm in order to professionally and swiftly prepare the nomination to the city. This nomination is a vital step to secure the Thelma Todd Building as a historic-cultural landmark. At that point, the building cannot be torn down and the equally glorious interior and original 1934 front doors (Joyas) can’t be destroyed either. Time is of the essence. So we hope to raise the money to hire a consultant within two to three weeks.
Too many Hollywood landmarks have been shamefully demolished over the years. The destruction of this splendid building would not only be a disgrace to Pacific Palisades, but would deface the land with busy, gaudy high-rise condos. Not to mention creating horrendous traffic issues within this quaint community.
Perhaps you didn't know the history of the building or of Thelma. BUT, It is an admired and tranquil view on PCH, familiar to people who drive by it every day. Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café is a part of me, dear to my heart, as it is with many Palisades residents. Once the building is reduced to rubble, it’s gone, and gone forever. Please join the cause and help save this precious link to Hollywood’s past.
Originally, this building was constructed as the Castellammare Business Center, housing multiple shops and a pharmacy for local residents. In 1934, well-known screen actress and comedienne, Thelma Todd teamed up with business partner, director Roland West. Roland's wife put up the money to purchase the building, Thelma's name was used to attract the public and Hollywood elite. It became a popular café called Joyas. Unfortunately, being a hot-spot, it also became a draw for the mob. They wanted the top portion of the restaurant for gambling to which Thelma said "no." Mysteriously, her lifeless body was discovered up the hill inside her garage in December, 1935. Cause of death, carbon monoxide poisoning…? To this day, there are many theories as to who murdered Thelma Todd and why. It remains one of Hollywood's sensational, unsolved mysteries.
For many years, since being a kid, I have visited this glorious building on PCH (just around the corner from Sunset Blvd. heading north). This 1927-28 built landmark has been preserved in pristine condition for many decades thanks to Paulist Productions. I had the pleasure of touring the building extensively inside and out through the kindness of Father Frank Desiderio. The interior is just as charming and unique as is the outside’s Spanish design. It’s a crowning achievement by renowned architect Mark Daniels. In that same year Mr. Daniels built what is now the Bank of America building in Pacific Palisades. That property has been designated a Historic-Cultural Landmark and cannot be torn down. Sadly, last December, Paulist Productions sold the Thelma Todd building. It is now threatened to be demolished by its current owners and to be dubiously replaced with high-rise condos!
Our fund-raising goal is to hire a consulting firm in order to professionally and swiftly prepare the nomination to the city. This nomination is a vital step to secure the Thelma Todd Building as a historic-cultural landmark. At that point, the building cannot be torn down and the equally glorious interior and original 1934 front doors (Joyas) can’t be destroyed either. Time is of the essence. So we hope to raise the money to hire a consultant within two to three weeks.
Too many Hollywood landmarks have been shamefully demolished over the years. The destruction of this splendid building would not only be a disgrace to Pacific Palisades, but would deface the land with busy, gaudy high-rise condos. Not to mention creating horrendous traffic issues within this quaint community.
Perhaps you didn't know the history of the building or of Thelma. BUT, It is an admired and tranquil view on PCH, familiar to people who drive by it every day. Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café is a part of me, dear to my heart, as it is with many Palisades residents. Once the building is reduced to rubble, it’s gone, and gone forever. Please join the cause and help save this precious link to Hollywood’s past.
Organizer
Bob Brauer
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
