Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger have recently come under fire for demolishing the Zimmerman House, a mid-century masterpiece by architect Craig Ellwood, located in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The property, built in 1950 as one of Ellwood’s initial projects, was purchased off-market by the couple for $13.57 million (€12.5 million, £10.95 million). Plans are now underway to replace the historic structure with a 15,000-square-foot modern farmhouse, stirring significant controversy among architectural preservationists and beyond.
The demolition not only eradicated the building but also destroyed the original landscaping by renowned modernist Garrett Eckbo, effectively flattening nearly one acre of land. The news has drawn severe criticism online, with some branding Pratt as unfavorably as “the worst Chris.” The public’s reaction has been sharply negative, with social media users and architectural enthusiasts expressing their dismay and disbelief over the destruction of such a significant property.
One notable reaction came from Twitter/X user @PastaVersaucy, who harshly criticized the decision, suggesting the couple should have opted for a pre-existing luxury home instead. Similarly, comments from the Midcentury Modern subreddit echoed the sentiment, questioning the value of demolishing historical architecture merely for a display of wealth.
Video content from Quinn Garvey, taken during the 2022 estate sale at the Zimmerman House, showcased the home’s original fixtures and good condition, as depicted in Julius Shulman’s 1953 photographs. These elements underscore the home’s historical value and the questionable necessity of its demolition, which Garvey herself found surprising given the home’s solid state during her last visit.
The reaction from the preservation community has been particularly strong. Save Iconic Architecture, a nonprofit organization, described the demolition as “devastating,” drawing parallels to the careless destruction of invaluable art. Jaime Rummerfield, a co-founder of the group, criticized the architectural approach for the new construction, highlighting a missed opportunity to incorporate the existing structure into the new design.
The decision to demolish was not only criticized for its impact on heritage but also questioned for its practical necessity. Given that Schwarzenegger’s mother resides across the street, alternatives could presumably have been considered. Architect John Dutton noted that adapting and expanding the original structure might have been more costly and time-consuming but would have resulted in a more unique and culturally valuable home.
Despite its relatively modest size of 2,770 square feet, the Zimmerman House could have attracted significant interest had it been listed openly, according to real estate experts like Rob Kallick of Take Sunset. The strong emotional pull of Ellwood’s designs is well-documented, with similarly significant homes attracting keen attention and rapid sales.
The ongoing debate over the demolition highlights broader issues with Los Angeles’ preservation policies, which often leave significant buildings unprotected and at risk. The lack of a dedicated preservation leader in city planning further complicates efforts to safeguard Los Angeles’ architectural heritage, suggesting a need for more stringent and proactive preservation measures.
