A Craftsman-style home is being carefully relocated to preserve its historical significance.
In Altadena, California, a new initiative is underway to relocate historic homes instead of demolishing them. The Historic House Relocation Project, led by Omgivning, addresses the need for housing following recent fires in the area, helping affected residents. This project not only preserves historic structures but also aims to increase available housing and reduce landfill waste, fostering community sustainability.
Altadena, California – An innovative relocation project is underway in Altadena, aimed at saving homes slated for demolition and providing shelter for fire-affected residents. The Historic House Relocation Project, spearheaded by Omgivning, a Los Angeles-based architecture and interiors firm, aims to connect homeowners with properties marked for demolition, facilitating their deconstruction and relocation instead of allowing them to be reduced to rubble. This approach not only preserves historic residences but also contributes to increasing available housing and reducing landfill waste.
The initiative comes in response to the significant loss of homes caused by recent fires in the Los Angeles area, specifically targeting residents who lost their homes in the Eaton or Palisades fires. Those who have empty lots are encouraged to participate in the program by either donating a house or expressing interest in acquiring one. Early efforts are focused on relocating two Craftsman-style homes: one built in 1911 in Hollywood and another from 1910 in Los Feliz. These initial moves are expected to be executed soon, with the homes being cut apart and transported by flatbed trucks late at night, a method reminiscent of practices common in the mid-20th century.
Once relocated, the homes will undergo rehabilitation changes, which are projected to take about one year. The first couple slated to benefit from the project, Evan and Caitlin Chambers, acquired their home for a mere dollar and anticipate spending around $550,000 for the relocation and renovation process. The costs will be managed through a mix of insurance payouts, personal savings, and a GoFundMe campaign. Another couple participating in the project, Jacques Laramee and Gwen Sukeena, invested $75,000 in materials and expect a year-long renovation period as well.
The relocation process is intricate and requires meticulous planning. Each home is dismantled to ensure it can be transported without hindrances from obstacles such as bridges and power lines. This careful approach is vital for successfully reassembling the homes at their new locations while complying with city regulations. Over the past five years, the city of Los Angeles has issued only eight relocation permits, emphasizing how rare and valuable these projects have become.
The vision behind the Historic House Relocation Project emerged when Omgivning’s creative director, Morgan Sykes Jaybush, reflected on lists of demolition permits for houses over 40 years old. This inspiration led to the reimagining of how homes can be preserved within communities instead of succumbing to urban development trends. The project not only aims to save historical structures but also aspires to fill housing gaps, contributing to the sustainability of communities devastated by fire.
Given that house-moving was commonplace during periods of freeway construction, successful relocations have occurred in recent history. The initiative encourages expanded housing options, preserves the architectural heritage of Los Angeles, and supports environmental efforts by preventing unnecessary waste associated with demolishing homes.
Residents interested in participating in the initiative—whether through donating a home or seeking to acquire one—are invited to contact Omgivning for further information. The goal of this project is to ensure that the legacy of these homes continues into the future while simultaneously addressing immediate housing needs within the community.
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