WEST HOLLYWOOD—The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named The Factory in West Hollywood, which currently operates as The Robertson Nightclub, one of the 11 most endangered historic places in America.

The annual list from the non-profit highlights important examples of architectural, cultural and natural heritage that it sees as being at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. In the past 28 years, more than 250 sites have been named on the list.

Developer Jason Illoulian of Faring Capital has proposed a plan to replace the building as part of a project called Robertson Lane which will include a 250 room hotel, an underground parking lot with more than 1,000 spaces as well as cafes and small retail spaces.

“The Factory is a trove of important and multi-layered history that simply cannot be replaced,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The Factory has proven many times over its history that it can successfully evolve with changing times to serve a variety of uses. As West Hollywood plans its future, this is just the type of place to protect and preserve, not destroy.”

Originally built in 1929 to house the Mitchell Camera Corporation, the building transitioned into multiple roles over the years after the company moved out of the location in 1946. The Factory served as a cosmetics warehouse, furniture showroom, antique market, nightclub and experimental theatre.

The building, located at 665 N. Robertson Blvd., has been cited by some preservation activists for its association with the gay rights movement. Studio One, a popular gay disco, operated on the site for nearly 20 years before it shut down in 1993. Studio One’s Backlot, a showroom for dinner shows, hosted performers like Liza Minelli, Joan Rivers, Bessie Smith and Wayland Flowers. At the height of its popularity, Studio One also held the first major AIDS fundraiser as part of AIDS Project Los Angeles.