Firefighters battled a raging inferno on Thursday at the historic Morrison Hotel building, which once graced the cover of an iconic Doors album. Over 100 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) swiftly responded to the flames engulfing the 110-year-old structure at 1246 S. Hope Street, just before 11 AM.
The blaze erupted shortly after 11 AM and was declared a "Major Emergency" by fire officials, who dispatched 17 fire companies to combat the flames. It took more than 90 minutes for the LAFD to extinguish the fire, with aerial footage showing thick smoke billowing from the building as flames licked up its sides. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and most of those who were inside the otherwise vacant building managed to escape, aided by firefighters who placed ground ladders to assist unhoused persons exiting through metal fire escapes.
Once known as the Morrison Hotel, the four-story building had become increasingly dilapidated over the years, receiving red-tagged status due to its deteriorated condition. It has been unused commercially for over 15 years, and city records noted it had recently changed ownership. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation purchased the site for $11.9 million with plans to transform it and provide 111 units of affordable housing.
The property, which has been used by the fire department for training purposes, holds significant historical value, having been made famous through the Doors’ 1970 album cover featuring the group members against its façade. According to Mark Dyer, Vice President of Operations for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, significant hopes were pinned on the building's redevelopment. "It’s probably a complete loss," he lamented, hinting at the potential of irreparable damage as the investigation continues.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart confirmed arson investigators and police detectives were on-site to probe the incident. "Their involvement was not necessarily because we suspect arson," Stewart added, highlighting the customary protocol due to the blaze's scale.
The Morrison Hotel's storied past dates back to 1914, allowing it to achieve eligibility for the California Register of Historical Resources. Yet the structure may not qualify for the National Register of Historic Places due to modifications throughout the decades, which have altered its original aspects.
A poignant anecdote from the album cover suggests the Doors nearly missed their iconic photo opportunity. Photographer Henry Diltz recounted the moment the band gained access to the building: "Photography wasn’t allowed at first, but when the clerk stepped away, we had just enough time to get the shot." The historic imagery features Jim Morrison standing directly against the hotel’s sign, creating a rock music legacy intertwined with the building itself.
Reflecting on the recent developments, Diltz shared his sadness over the fire's aftermath. "It’s such a historic place, a historic name. I hope it doesn’t disappear." Similarly, John Densmore, the band’s drummer expressed grief at the news. He recalled visiting the building after the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's acquisition and hoped Morrison would have been pleased with sustainability efforts aimed at preserving its legacy.
While the flames were contained, the immediate future of the Morrison Hotel now lies with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Going forward, the community watches closely as they ponder the fate of this historical landmark steeped in rock and roll lore. The fire department remains on fire watch, ensuring no flare-ups spark once more.
