Friday, July 25, 2025

LA Architects Relocate Historic Homes to Support Altadena Wildfire Recovery

The project provides affordable, timely rebuilding solutions while preserving architectural heritage and reducing landfill waste

Los Angeles-based architecture and interiors firm Omgivning has launched the Historic House Relocation Project to help families rebuild on fire-damaged lots in Altadena by moving salvaged homes from across the region. The initiative preserves historic character, reduces landfill waste and offers a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional new construction, according to the firm.

“This is the most sustainable way to rebuild, by not throwing an entire house into the landfill,” said Creative Director Morgan Sykes Jaybush. “It’s also a great way to bring some historic character back to these neighborhoods which have suffered so much loss. And in addition to being a quicker solution, it’s a more affordable option; we estimate that these moves are half to two thirds of the cost of a new build.”

The first house to be relocated is a 1911 Craftsman-style, 2,400-square-foot, four-bedroom home formerly located at 1853 Taft Ave. in Hollywood. Artist Evan Chambers and educator Caitlin Chambers, who lost their Altadena home to the Eaton Canyon fire, acquired the structure. Dinuba House Movers Inc. will transport it in five pieces over a 26-mile route into Altadena. Structural engineer Nous Engineering will oversee its foundation and utility reconnections under California Existing Building Code Chapter 14 and local zoning rules.

A second relocation involves a 1910 Craftsman-style, five-bedroom home currently at 2919 Saint George St. in Los Feliz. Previously moved in 1948, it will be relocated to 1008 E. Poppyfields Dr. in Altadena by interior designer Gwen Sukeena and mechanical engineer Jacques Laramee.

Jaybush, a fourth-generation Angeleno, sparked the idea during a Santa Monica Conservancy board meeting. He partnered with the Chambers family—who had a similar concept—and rallied support from preservationist Brad Chambers, Council District 13, Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Conservancies.

Omgivning has identified nearly 80 houses for potential relocation and is working with nearly 50 families in need. The firm has led adaptive reuse efforts across Los Angeles and recently formed the Rebuild Working Group, uniting more than 25 architects to streamline post-disaster rebuilding.

To donate or apply for a relocated home, contact HouseRelocation@Omgivning.com or (213) 596-5602. Details are available at omgivning.com..