LANDMARK WATCH : Final Course

Lawry’s California Center has been one of Los Angeles’ little-known treasures for far too long.

Situated in an industrial neighborhood just north of downtown, across the street from an old railroad yard, its lush gardens are a surprise to tourists and natives alike.

The 17-acre site, where once Lawry’s spices were processed, has in recent years been home to some delightful outdoor restaurants.

They may not be the best Mexican restaurants in town, but anyone who has spent a warm summer’s evening sipping sangria or margaritas on Lawry’s patios, surrounded by blooming jacaranda, knows the place has a charm all its own.

That’s why it’s sad to learn that the restaurants, which have reportedly been unprofitable for some time, will close in January.

The property will be sold, possibly for redevelopment by some new owner.

That would be progress at the cost of a very special place.

Happily, there is a potential savior on the horizon.

Among the possible buyers interested in the Lawry’s site is a committee of community leaders who are raising money to build Los Angeles’ first Latino museum.

They regard Lawry’s, with its Mission-style architecture and Mexican gardens, as an ideal setting and say they would keep it just as it is--even operating restaurants for museum visitors.

Lawry’s California Center as a Latino museum? We can’t envision a better way to save a landmark for all Angelenos. Here’s hoping the Latino museum’s founders succeed.