What happened to Felix the Cat?

In 2007, the city of Los Angeles almost declared the historic Felix Chevrolet neon sign and dealership an official landmark. Then Mayor Villaraigosa's office asked the Cultural Heritage Commission to stop the process, claiming it would be bad for business. Darryl Holter of Felix Chevrolet promised to maintain the sign for future generations. Five years later, Felix Chevrolet partnered with General Motors to rip out the vintage neon tubes and illuminate Felix the Cat with LEDs. If you want Felix Chevrolet to honor its promise to the city and restore this great neon sign, please sign the petition.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

A Shocking Scene at Felix Chevrolet

 

  

















Gary Leonard captures the long anticipated demolition of Felix Chevrolet. 

As documented on this blog, the neon sign was to be landmarked, but the owners got then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to halt the process, made false preservation promises and put in LEDs. 

It is an important reminder that Los Angeles city government has different rules for citizens and for powerful business leaders who donate to keep politicians in power. Felix Chevrolet's long range development plans were protected, and Angelenos lost a great neon sign and got an LED copycat in return. If they want to, the property owners could tear it down at any time.
Update 4/9/2021: A day after freaking Angelenos out with the demolition of its historic showroom, as captured by the intrepid Gary Leonard, Felix Chevrolet posts a Instagram story saying it's a remodel and the (unprotected, unlandmarked) sign is safe. For now!



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