GLANDALE, Calif. (KABC) — Glendale’s historic Sears and Roebuck building used to be an art deco centerpiece of downtown Glendale. Now, it’s the center of a battle between a property developer and the city’s mayor.

Located at the intersection of Central and California avenues, the Sears building opened its doors in 1936. But Sears declared bankruptcy in 2018, and the building has now been vacant for about a year and a half.

The owner of the building has submitted plans to tear it down and replace it with housing, commercial space and a public park.

Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, however, argues the building should be preserved for its historic significance.

“This was a favorite store. Many people had their first jobs here, they met their spouses here, they bought their first bicycle, first washer and dryer for newlyweds,” said Najarian.

According to Najarian, the developer’s proposal includes 682 new apartments. Some argue that the increased housing would be beneficial for the community.

“If it’s going to turn into another corporate or commercial building, I’d rather have it turn into a residential because Glendale is so congested, I think we need additional housing for people,” said Glendale resident Tina Amirkhanyan.

Despite the mayor’s wishes, the city no longer has a say in the matter. A new state law can’t force developers to go through a historic review process if the building isn’t already registered as a historic landmark when the plans are submitted.

Najarian says this is just one example of the city losing control over its own history. He wrote a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom about his concerns, but has not heard back yet.

Najarian says the Sears building could be demolished by the end of the year. He urges the community to be proactive and fight to preserve pieces of local history.

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