Los Angeles Rescues Historic Homes: A Bold Initiative to Rebuild Altadena’s Fire-Damaged Neighborhoods

In a unique blend of heritage preservation and community support, Los Angeles-based firm Omgivning has launched a new initiative to relocate historic homes to Altadena neighborhoods that were severely affected by the recent Eaton Canyon and Palisades wildfires.

Saving Homes from Demolition and Giving Them New Life

The initiative, titled “Historic House Relocation Project,” offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional reconstruction by physically moving structurally sound historic homes originally slated for demolition to plots where homes were lost to wildfire.

Led by Omgivning in collaboration with the Los Angeles Conservancy, Santa Monica Conservancy, and Council District 13, the project is anchored on three key goals:

Supporting families displaced by wildfires
Preserving the city’s architectural heritage
Reducing landfill waste through adaptive reuse

The First Journey: A 1911 Craftsman Home Travels from Hollywood to Altadena

The first house selected for relocation is a 1911 Craftsman-style home originally located at 1853 Taft Avenue, Hollywood. Once marked for demolition to make way for an affordable housing development, the structure will now be moved to 55 Mountain View Street in Altadena, where the original home was destroyed by fire.

The relocation is no small feat. The house is being cut into five sections and transported across a 26-mile route carefully planned to avoid overpasses, tunnels, rail lines, freeways, and power lines.

Historic home being transported through Los Angeles streets as part of a preservation initiative — The home’s 26-mile journey is carefully mapped to avoid overpasses and power lines—part of a bold city-wide plan to repurpose historical homes.

A Second Move for a Well-Traveled House

Next in line is a 1910 Craftsman-style residence currently located at 2919 Saint George Street in Los Feliz. Interestingly, this house was already moved once in 1948 to avoid demolition for the construction of the 101 Freeway. It’s now preparing for its second journey to 1008 E. Poppyfields Drive in Altadena.

A More Affordable and Faster Way to Rebuild

According to Omgivning, the cost of relocating these homes is approximately half the cost of new construction, making the approach not only sustainable but also economically feasible. So far, around 80 homes have been identified as suitable for relocation, and 50 families are currently on a waiting list to receive one.

1910 Craftsman home awaiting relocation from Los Feliz to Altadena — This well-traveled 1910 Craftsman home, first moved in 1948, is preparing for its second relocation—this time to fire-stricken Altadena.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Recovery and Sustainability

Morgan Sykes Jaybush, Creative Director at Omgivning, emphasized that moving homes used to be a common practice in Los Angeles but has become rare in recent decades.
She explains:

“Relocating houses is the most sustainable way to rebuild rather than sending a whole structure to the landfill. It also brings historic character back to neighborhoods that have lost so much.”

She adds:

“This is just the beginning. I hope we can continue saving more houses from the wrecking ball and help more people find a faster, less expensive path to rebuilding.”

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