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LA Fire Destroys Famous Hollywood Motel Featured in Movies
6 Jan
Summary
- Historic 1905 Hollywood Center Motel destroyed by fire on Sunday.
- Motel was featured in LA Confidential and hosted rock stars.
- Firefighters rescued one man trapped on the second floor.
A historic 1905 Hollywood Center Motel was destroyed by a massive fire on Sunday, just weeks after being considered for historic-cultural monument status. The building, known for hosting rock legends like Buffalo Springfield and Neil Young, and for its appearances in "LA Confidential" and other TV shows, succumbed to the blaze despite the efforts of 70 firefighters.
The fire, which began around 4:30 am, quickly escalated, trapping one individual on the second floor who was subsequently rescued by firefighters. The motel had been shuttered since 2018 and had fallen into disrepair, becoming a site for illegal sheltering. Two smaller fires had occurred on the property in late 2025.
Hollywood Heritage expressed sorrow over the loss, stating the building was "eminently restorable." The owner had reportedly attempted to secure the property against trespassers. Demolition permits were filed earlier in 2025, which had spurred preservation efforts. The incident echoes the destruction of the Morrison Hotel by fire nearly a year prior.
