Wrecking ball claims Beverly Hills retail landmark

Demolition work has begun on a dilapidated Beverly Hills department store that once represented the height of elegant shopping in L.A. The old Robinson-May building on Wilshire Boulevard is coming down, but it’s not yet known what will be going up in its place. A previous owner had secured city approval to build a large condo complex designed by Getty Center architect Richard Meier. But the L.A. Times reports the property has changed hands several times in recent years, and the current owner may sell it again. Meanwhile, conservationists and former shoppers are mourning the loss of the building, which opened in 1952 and closed a decade ago. It’s modern-style marble design by architects William Pereira and Charles Luckman (LAX Theme Building), along with elegant displays and car-friendly access made it a draw for fashionistas from around the region. Read More: la.curbed.com/places/9900-wilshire www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-property-report-20140424-story.html