With the help of Route 66 enthusiasts, the historic Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, California, could be rehabilitated for the enjoyment of future Mother Road travelers and Hollywood stars.
American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America have teamed to launch the Vote Your Main Street campaign, in which 10 of 25 historic properties will win a share of up to a total of $2 million in preservation funding. The campaign runs through Oct. 31.
Users can vote once per day for up to five historic projects across the United States.
This is what Vote Your Main Street said about the Formosa:
The beloved Formosa Cafe along Route 66 will be rehabilitated, passing on an icon to future generations. Threatened by development pressures, places like the Formosa Cafe are exceedingly rare today. This project will help its owners keep the building alive.
The restaurant dates to 1925 at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. (aka Route 66).
The Formosa Cafe became a hangout for actors because it sat near several movie-studio lots. Among other stars reportedly seen there included John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Marlon Brando, Elvis Presley, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and Ava Gardner.
The restaurant also was used in a scene in “L.A. Confidential” and, more recently, “La La Land,” both Oscar-winning movies. At last report, the building is set to reopen early next year after it closed abruptly shortly after New Year’s Day. The building remains protected by West Hollywood’s preservation ordinance.
That’s the only one on Route 66 of the 25 properties nominated. However, there are two others that probably are of interest to Mother Road enthusiasts.
The first is the E. Romero Hose and Fire Building in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Las Vegas never was on the 1926-1937 alignment of Route 66, but it sits close enough that many past and current travelers went to the historic and picturesque city anyway. The fire station building, constructed in 1909, was designed as home to the first volunteer fire department in the Southwest.
Second is the long-closed Yale Theatre in Oklahoma City. Preservationists want to restore the theater’s facade, sign, lobby, foyer and auditorium. It sits about four miles south of the Northwest 23rd Street alignment of Route 66 in the city.
(Image of the Formosa Cafe in 2012 by Don Barrett via Flickr)
This is one of my old haunts when I lived and worked in Hollywood. A great place to eat and socializes.
I was shocked to be the first person to vote.
I voted for it last night. I doubt you’re the only one.