Actor Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, have sparked considerable controversy after tearing down the historic Zimmerman House in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
History of this Home
This midcentury modern home, completed in 1950, was designed by acclaimed architect Craig Ellwood and featured gardens by renowned landscape architect Garrett Eckbo.
The Zimmerman House, a notable example of Ellwood’s early work, showcased the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of California modernism.
It included large windows, wood floors, a central brick fireplace, and a landscape that was thoughtfully integrated into the design.
The home was previously owned by Hilda Rolfe, widow of Sam Rolfe, co-creator of the TV series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”
This property had never been listed on the open market and was sold off-market to Pratt and Schwarzenegger following Hilda Rolfe’s death.
Historic Home Demolished to Build New Mansion
The couple purchased the property for $12.5 million in January 2023 and quickly began demolition to make way for a new 15,000-square-foot modern farmhouse-style mansion.
Backlash Over Demolition
The decision to demolish the historic home has met with significant backlash from architectural preservationists and midcentury modern fans.
Erin Ellwood, daughter of the original architect, expressed disappointment and acknowledged that the Zimmerman House was an early piece of her father’s work.
She suggested that a more imaginative approach could have preserved the home’s legacy while accommodating the new development.
Elizabeth A. T. Smith, an expert on Case Study Houses, and Liz Waytkus, executive director of Docomomo US, have both highlighted the challenges of preserving architectural heritage in the face of high land values and development pressures.
Preservation Efforts and New Development
The Los Angeles Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, had warned about the potential demolition earlier this year, noting the home’s intact condition and architectural significance.
Despite being identified as potentially historic by the city’s SurveyLA program, the property lacked the necessary protections to prevent demolition.
Adriene Biondo of the Eichler Network lamented the loss, pointing out the paradox of architectural homes being marketed as high-end art while others are demolished for new construction.
The new mansion, designed by architect Ken Ungar, will feature two stories, a full basement, a three-car garage, a backyard swimming pool, and a pool house or cabana.
Schwarzenegger’s mother, Maria Shriver, owns two homes near the property.
While construction on their new Brentwood home progresses, Pratt and Schwarzenegger continue to own a renovated mansion in Pacific Palisades.
It underwent extensive renovations during the couple’s ownership.
