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Koreatown's Postmodern KFC Damaged In Fire
This is L.A., so some of our best architecture comes from fast food restaurants (e.g. Stephen Kanner's Westwood In 'N Out). It's no surprise, then, that the KFC on Western is one incredible example of postmodern architecture. The building has been around since 1990, gracing the intersection of Western Avenue and Beverly Boulevard with a fried-chicken-bucked-shaped building out of which you can get real buckets of chicken and biscuits.
We are sad to report that the iconic building was damaged Sunday in a fire, and will remain closed until repairs are completed. The fire was reported at 2:16 p.m. Sunday afternoon, according to San Fernando Valley Media, and caused heavy damage in the building. The Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched 40 firefighters to the scene— the blaze was extinguished with no injuries reported.
The building's architect, Jeffrey Daniels, formerly worked under Frank Gehry, according to L.A. Weekly. When it opened in 1990, the building stood out in an otherwise unassuming Koreatown. K-Town is now a hugely bustling part of Los Angeles, so a building shaped like a bucket doesn't stand out quite as much. It's still a beloved part of our fast food world, though, and will reportedly re-open sometime in the future. There's currently no set date for its return.
[H/T Eater]
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