"GM can force dealers to build a new building when the old owner dies," he explained. "They tell you what paint to use and where to buy it. You have to follow what they say to keep the franchise."
Felix's fans urged that the sign and showroom be left intact. They noted that landmark status does not permanently block removal of a historic structure but does force property owners, developers and city officials to carefully study the effects of demolition.
"Felix Chevrolet is a landmark in every sense of the word," said Mitzi March Mogul, a historic preservation consultant.
L.A. Conservancy representative Jay Platt told commissioners he is among millions "who loved the Felix the Cat sign as a kid."
Laura Meyers, a member of the North University Park Community Assn., suggested that a preserved Felix showroom could eventually be converted into something else, even "a retail store carrying cat things," if cars are no longer sold there.
"We're looking at an icon in California history, a true definition of L.A.'s love affair with the automobile," added Charles Fisher, who teamed up with Childs to nominate the sign and showroom as a landmark. Both are members of the Adams Dockweiler Heritage Organizing Committee.
Commissioners voted 4 to 1 in favor of the landmark designation.
"That sign has to be kept in its context. It's synonymous with that corner," said commission President Mary Klaus-Martin.
"It's an icon of L.A. It's value is there, not in a museum on Wilshire Boulevard," agreed panel member Glen Dake.
So in a town that cherishes commercial characters such as Bob's Big Boy, the Western Exterminator man and Chicken Boy, Felix the Cat continues to live up to his name -- which is Latin for "lucky."
bob.pool@latimes.com
