Chris Pratt, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, has sparked controversy after it was revealed that he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, demolished a historic mid-century modern home in Los Angeles to build a new mansion.
Famed Brentwood House Razed for New Development
The house in question, located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, was designed by renowned architect Craig Ellwood and built in 1950. The residence was admired for its classic mid-century modern design elements, including floor-to-ceiling windows and a central brick fireplace. The landscaping, designed by modern landscaping pioneer Garrett Eckbo, was another noteworthy feature, having been featured in Progressive Architecture magazine.
The destruction of the Zimmerman house, as it was known, has drawn criticism from architecture enthusiasts and historic preservationists. The Los Angeles Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting historic places in Los Angeles, had identified the house as a “noteworthy example of modernist design from this era.” However, no efforts were made to conserve the building before its demolition.
Reaction to the Demolition
Adrience Biondo of The Eichler Network, a website dedicated to mid-century modern architecture, commented on the irony of the situation. Biondo noted that while some architectural homes are being celebrated as high-value art pieces, others are being torn down to make way for new construction. Biondo emphasized the need for a movement to protect architecturally significant buildings like the Zimmerman house.
Details of the New Mansion
While details about the new mansion planned for the site are limited, reports suggest it will be a sprawling 15,000 square foot residence designed in a modern farmhouse style. Celebrity architect Ken Ungar, known for his luxurious designs, is reportedly behind the new project.
Chris Pratt’s Real Estate Portfolio
The decision to demolish the historic home comes after Pratt and Schwarzenegger sold their previous residence in Pacific Palisades for a reported $32 million in September 2023. That Mediterranean-style villa boasted impressive features like a movie theater, a sauna, a basketball court, and a teak wood spa.
This is not the first time Pratt has made headlines for his real estate transactions. In 2018, he sold another Los Angeles property he had shared with his ex-wife Anna Faris for a profit of nearly $1.5 million.
While Pratt may be known for saving the galaxy on screen, the demolition of the Zimmerman house has left many questioning his commitment to preserving history on the ground.
