News Summary
In an effort to assist families affected by recent fires, Los Angeles architecture firm Omgivning has initiated the Historic House Relocation Project. This initiative aims to provide salvaged historic homes to impacted homeowners as a sustainable alternative to rebuilding. The project will begin with the relocation of a 1911 Craftsman-style home, offering a cost-effective solution while preserving historic character. Omgivning has identified numerous candidates for relocation, reflecting a growing trend towards adaptive reuse in urban development.
Altadena – In a significant effort to assist families impacted by recent fires, Los Angeles-based architecture and interiors firm Omgivning has launched the Historic House Relocation Project. This initiative aims to provide affected homeowners with salvaged historic homes, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional rebuilding methods.
The project focuses on relocating homes from various regions, thereby preserving their historic character and minimizing waste sent to landfills. As outlined by the initiative’s leaders, relocating a home through this program costs approximately half to two-thirds the price of constructing a new building.
Initially, the program will see the relocation of a 1911 Craftsman-style home, boasting 2,400 square feet and four bedrooms. This house was previously located at 1853 Taft Avenue in Hollywood. The new owners, having lost their residence in the Eaton Canyon fire, are artist Evan Chambers and educator Caitlin Chambers. They will move the Taft house to their new property in Altadena.
To achieve the relocation, Dinuba House Movers Inc. is set to transport the structure in five pieces over a distance of 26 miles. Meanwhile, structural engineering firm Nous Engineering will ensure that the relocated home’s foundation and utility reconnections meet California Existing Building Code Chapter 14 as well as local zoning standards.
A second relocation under this project involves a historic 1910 Craftsman-style home with five bedrooms, originally at 2919 Saint George Street in Los Feliz. This house had previously been moved in 1948. New owners Jacques Laramee and Gwen Sukeena will also be relocating it to their property at 1008 E. Poppyfields Drive in Altadena. Like the Chambers, the Sukeenas lost their own home in the Eaton Fire and sought out this historic structure for their rebuilding efforts.
The concept for this relocation initiative emerged during a meeting of the Santa Monica Conservancy, where discussions centered around demolition permits for older buildings. The project reflects a growing trend toward adaptive reuse in urban settings, receiving backing from various preservation advocates, including council members from District 13, Los Angeles County, and several conservancies.
Omgivning has already identified around 80 houses that are likely candidates for relocation and is currently collaborating with nearly 50 families affected by recent fires. Their efforts extend beyond just these relocations; Omgivning is proactive in leading adaptive reuse initiatives throughout Los Angeles. They have also established the Rebuild Working Group, which comprises over 25 architects dedicated to enhancing the rebuilding process in the wake of disasters.
Homeowners interested in obtaining a relocated home or wishing to contribute to the initiative can reach out directly to Omgivning through their email or phone number. Additional information about the Historic House Relocation Project can be found on their website.
This groundbreaking project not only provides a lifeline to families seeking to rebuild their lives post-disaster but also highlights an innovative approach to preservation and sustainability in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic House Relocation Project Aims to Save Homes
Additional Resources
- LAist: Historic House Relocation Project
- Wikipedia: Housing in Los Angeles
- ABC7: Homeowners Relocate Houses
- Google Search: House Relocation Projects California
- Pasadena Now: Architects Relocate Historic Homes
- Google Scholar: Historic Home Relocation
- KCRW: Rebuilding in Altadena
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- LAist: Brief on Historic House Relocation
- Google News: Historic Homes California
