CHRIS PRATT AND KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER RECEIVE BACKLASH FOR DEMOLISHING HISTORIC $12.5 MILLION HOME
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are facing criticism after tearing down a historic $12.5 million home in Los Angeles. The couple purchased Zimmerman House, a midcentury modern pad designed by renowned architect Craig Ellwood, last year. However, they decided to demolish the structure just days after their purchase, as reported by Robb Report.
Now, a brand new mansion is being built on the property, replacing the iconic architectural masterpiece. This move has sparked outrage among architecture experts and enthusiasts, who took to the internet to express their disappointment. Designer David Hill expressed his sadness, stating, “It’s sad to see icons of modernism needlessly destroyed by insensitive McMansion seekers.” TV writer Caitie Delaney also chimed in, saying, “Maybe I’m different, but I would have a hard time sleeping soundly if I spent $12.5 million on this house only to tear it down.”
Realtor Julie Chang criticized the City of LA for allowing the destruction of the midcentury modern house, writing on X, “Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of LA doesn’t allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense – Allowed this midcentury modern house to be TORN DOWN.” Angry netizens joined the conversation, with one stating, “Spoiled rich people destroyed a Craig Ellwood. If they wanted a bigger house, they should have bought a property with a bigger house on it, by a lesser architect, and remodeled that.”
The online backlash continued, with another commenter wondering, “Man, what the hell is with people destroying works of mid-century art-chitecture?” An internet user added, “This is incredibly sad. Ellwood/Burke just did custom one-offs, so there aren’t that many around. CSH #16 is one of my favorites. Great form and materials. Don’t want to ever see what atrocity that will take its place.”
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger, who got married in June 2019, reportedly moved to the area to be closer to Katherine’s mom, Maria Shriver. While their new home is still under construction, permit records obtained by Robb Report reveal that LA-based architect Ken Ungar designed the blueprint for the new structure. Ungar is known for his modern farmhouse-style mansions. The filing also indicates that the house will be two stories tall with a basement, and the estate will feature a swimming pool, a pool house, and a poolside cabana. The representatives of Pratt and Schwarzenegger did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
