The iconic Mel’s Drive-In, a famous landmark marking the western end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, is facing a potential demolition threat as new development plans emerge.
Historic Route 66 Landmark Faces Redevelopment
According to the Los Angeles Times, the property owner has submitted initial paperwork to demolish the 1959 building located at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, replacing it with an 8-story apartment complex.
In response, preservation groups such as the Santa Monica Conservancy and the Los Angeles Conservancy are strongly advocating for the building to be designated as a historic landmark. The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission is scheduled to review the preservation application this coming December.
Unique Googie Architecture at Risk
Preservationists emphasize that this structure is one of the finest surviving examples of Googie architecture in Santa Monica. Designed by the renowned mid-century modern architecture firm Armet & Davis, the 1959 building features a steeply pitched roof, expansive glass windows, and a long counter, perfectly capturing the quintessential style that once defined mid-century diners, bowling alleys, and car washes.
The location originally operated as the Penguin Coffee Shop from 1959 until 1991. Later, the San Francisco-based Mel’s chain acquired the property in 2016, carrying out renovations to restore its 1950s retro ambiance before reopening for business in 2018. The diner continues to operate today as a popular attraction for local residents and Route 66 travelers alike.
Property Value and Future Lease Outlook
The real estate property was purchased for $6.2 million in 2020 by Irvine-based ValueRock Realty, which reportedly put the site on the market for $26 million in 2025.
Nina Fresco, vice president of the Santa Monica Conservancy, told the LA Times that the issue goes beyond merely saving a modern diner, focusing instead on the preservation of significant Googie architecture.
Meanwhile, representatives for Mel’s stated there are no immediate plans to halt operations. Marlilina Borquio, the restaurant’s general manager, confirmed that their current lease runs through June 2029, firmly stating, “We will be here until 2029.”
