Ban Extended on Razing Old Market

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend its ban on demolition of a turn-of-the-century structure with a wooden facade in historic Old Town Calabasas that a developer wants to replace with an office building.

The board unanimously agreed to continue the ban--begun in March--until the end of June to allow the builder and protesting homeowners to agree on a design for the proposed three-story office structure.

Residents worried that the project would ruin the Old West flavor of the area, said Bob Ronka, a member of the board of the Calabasas Park Homeowners Assn. But representatives of Tandam Builders of Santa Monica are trying to modify the plans so the building would blend in, Ronka said. Some of the features the developer has added to the design are a hitching post in front and balconies with wooden railings.

The builder also has agreed to save a portion of the building, which was once a hunting lodge and for decades a small grocery store. The building also has housed a beauty parlor and yogurt shop.

“Old Town is a very special place,” Ronka said. “It’s precious to the people of Calabasas and the neighboring communities. There is intensive interest in this zoning matter.”