BURBANK : Landmark Status Vote on Bob’s Big Boy Delayed

The issue of whether a Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank is an architectural gem or an insignificant eyesore remained undecided Tuesday after county supervisors delayed voting on a proposal seeking state historical landmark status for the 1949 coffee shop.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich, whose district includes Burbank, said he wanted to have an official recommendation from the Burbank City Council before voting. He also asked the county’s historical landmark commission to investigate how such an action might affect future development proposals.

Philip MacDonald, owner of the Burbank Bob’s, has indicated that he eventually would like to demolish the restaurant to make way for an office building, although the facility is leased to Marriott through 2016. At Tuesday’s board meeting, MacDonald charged that some of those pushing for historical preservation merely want to block development.