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The historical Los Angeles structure included on the cover of a 1970 album by renowned rock band The Doors was harmed in a fire Thursday, authorities stated.
The blaze contributed to the decay of the four-story structure in downtown understood for its accommodations long back under the name Morrison Hotel, which shared band leader Jim Morrison’s household name.
The “Morrison Hotel” album cover included an image of the band members, consisting of hell-raising frontman Morrison, with the hand-painted name of the hotel framing them. The release was no hitmaker regardless of reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s album chart in 1970.
Henry Diltz, professional photographer of the initial “Morrison Hotel” album cover, at an occasion at the hotel in January 2020.Scott Dudelson/ Getty Images file
The Los Angeles Fire Department stated in a declaration that the historical structure on South Hope Street was “destroyed.” Its account of the more than 90-minute blaze information the structure’s decay and keeps in mind the 1914 Beaux Arts structure was red-tagged at some point before the blaze. It was utilized for firemen training throughout its more than 15 years of desertion, the department stated.
LAFD representative Margaret Stewart stated Friday that fire department arson private investigators and cops investigators from the Major Crimes Division are examining the cause, however their participation was not always a sign arson is presumed.
The examination was traditional and staffed in this manner “due to the nature of the fire,” she stated.
Numerous lots individuals left from various levels inside the otherwise off-limits structure and firemens assisted 3 more escape, the LAFD stated in a declaration. Stewart stated no bodies were discovered throughout a subsequent search, and no injuries were reported.
Los Angeles County records reveal the home altered hands in 2023, following a proposition to redevelop it into 420,303 square feet of domestic, accommodations, dining, and drinking area, according to the city.
The E-shaped structure is qualified for the California Register of Historical Resources, however might not have what it considers the National Register of Historic Places since of changes, according to a city historical resources file.
Firemens mop up after a fire at a structure Thursday on South Hope Street in Los Angeles. Brian van der Brug/ Los Angeles Times through Getty Images
According to the oft-repeated story of the album’s cover, a hotel clerk turned down the band’s demand to take an image however Henry Diltz got the shot when the clerk left his station momentarily. The back cover included a close-by bar that was then called the Hard Rock Cafe.
The LAFD stated the instant practicality of the structure remains in the hands of the L.A. Department of Building and Safety.
Dennis Romero
Dennis Romero is a breaking news press reporter for NBC News Digital.
Erick Mendoza
contributed
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