Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are under fire for reportedly demolishing a historically significant home in Los Angeles.
Critics slammed the couple for demolishing a historic Los Angeles home known as the Zimmerman house, according to an SFGate published April 19. The Los Angeles Conservancy had recognized the house as an outstanding example of Modernist architecture, according to the outlet. Although SurveyLA identified it as potentially historic, it lacked formal protections, allowing the owners to legally demolish it.
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger attend the “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD” welcome celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 15, 2023 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with critics dismayed not only by the destruction of the house but also by the decision to employ architect Ken Ungar for the new construction, known for his modern farmhouse designs. The Eichler Network, a publication dedicated to mid-century homes in California, published an op-ed about its demolition. (RELATED: Hollywood Summer Blockbuster Inadvertently Reveals The Evil Behind The Left’s Desire To Remake The World)
“Witnessing the demolition of revered residential architecture is a gut punch. Even walking the inclined driveway leading to the empty lot where such a home once stood can be painful,” Adriene Biondo said.
Reddit commenters have voiced strong opposition to the demolition as well. “As if I needed another reason to dislike him,” one user said. “What’s the point of buying an historical house with the purpose of demolishing it? Couldn’t he have found a different location? It seems so weirdly spiteful,” another one stated.
@vintageonq Hurl!! I have a video posted back in December 2022 on the sale itself if you want to see more of the family’s collections. Is Brentwood too far gone?? #midcenturymodern #midcenturyhome #chrispratt #craigellwood #architecturelovers #modernfarmhouse ♬ That Couch Potato Again – Prod. By Rose
The Zimmerman house, crafted by architect Craig Ellwood in 1950, was featured in Progressive Architecture magazine and was known for its mid-century modern design, according to SF Gate. Pratt and his wife acquired the home for $12.5 million in an off-market deal in 2023, only to tear it down soon after. Located near properties owned by Maria Shriver, the mother of Schwarzenegger, the couple’s purchase decision might have been driven more by location than the home’s architectural value.
Before its demolition, the house was in excellent condition. A TikTok video by vintageonq, which has attracted over half a million views, featured the home’s well-preserved original features at a previous estate sale, including floor-to-ceiling windows, a striking brick fireplace, and custom wood built-ins, SF Gate reported. The video went viral as news of the demolition spread.