If we learned anything from Empire Records, it was that music is the glue of the world. It holds it all together. Without it, life would be meaningless. So it was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day when LAist reported that there are plans in the works to raze LA’s famous Amoeba Music building.

The iconic record store and Hollywood landmark has been open since 2001, but it appears a real estate group have new plans for the Sunset Boulevard space. In fact, it’s set to become a mixed-use, sky-scraping, 20-something story glass tower complete with a massive rooftop pool.

+ A rendering of the new building from the online portfolio of Shimahara, an architectural illustration firm

In an era of digital downloads and streaming services Amoeba has become a beacon for tangible record resilience. The beloved store’s potentially imminent date with a wrecking ball led to public outcry that was fuelled when councilman Mitch O’Farrell’s office released an official statement saying, “Amoeba Records voluntarily decided to sell the property.”

In response to the confirmed (but vague) development plans Amoeba Music have spoken out. They’ve released a statement of their own, announcing they will remain LA’s pre-eminent vinyl pusher for at least the next “several years.” And once that time comes, they hope to stick around Hollywood, just in a new location. Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes…

+ The iconic store will remain in their building on Sunset for the duration of their lease

• Story by Ariel Katz