LOS ANGELES : Judge Refuses to Block Razing of Museum Building

A Sacramento judge Tuesday refused to block demolition work on a building at the Museum of Science and Industry in Los Angeles, dealing a blow to preservationists who contended that the structure’s architecture should be saved because of its historical importance.

At the conclusion of a two-hour hearing, Superior Court Judge Roger Warren agreed only to grant a two-day stay during which those trying to block the further demolition of the Ahmanson Building may file an appeal. Demolition is scheduled to resume at noon Thursday.

The judge’s decision was another in a long line of events surrounding the museum in Exposition Park. Most of the Ahmanson building already has been torn down as part of a renovation project. Critics have claimed that millions of dollars are being wasted and that the expansion will adversely affect the architectural integrity of the park.