RIP Tower Records building on Sunset: 1971-2008

The fate of the empty Tower Records store on Sunset Boulevard has been decided: Demolition.

Yesterday it was announced that the once-iconic yellow-and-red building at 8801 W. Sunset on the Strip would meet its un-maker, as it is being razed by a Chicago-based developer in order to build a multi-use office building slated to boast a gym and retail shops.

Though by no means an architectural wonder, the building was once a vibrant destination for music fans, who often wrapped themselves in queue around its outer walls for album releases, concert ticket sales, and in-store artist appearances. News of its bankruptcy announcement was not entirely shocking back in August 2006, but rather served as tangible evidence that the world of music purchasing had truly shifted and an emotional landmark was due to fall in its wake.

The building, which was constructed in 1971, had some life breathed into it last summer, when the White Stripes made use of the emptied store to promote the release of their album Icky Thump. A few months later the state of the building's exterior was moving towards the lamentable when it became the ultimate movie studio advertising fodder.

Photo by o2ma via Flickr