Preservation is on the move in 2025; Altadena, here we come!
In the May 2022 edition of this paper, I wrote a column about the many houses of Windsor Square (mine included) which had been moved to the neighborhood from elsewhere. Moving houses and buildings has been part of L.A.’s DNA throughout its history, with storied firms such as the Kress House Moving Company performing seemingly miraculous feats of engineering. While rare today, this time-honored method of thrift and preservation has now been resurrected to assist in the rebuilding of Altadena by replacing lost historic homes with other historic homes moved to the site.
The Historic House Relocation Project is a charitable initiative launched by the adaptive reuse architectural firm Omgivning (Swedish for “ambience”). The firm’s creative director, Morgan Sykes Jaybush, was inspired earlier this year when looking through demo notices of old buildings. The firm now connects interested homebuyers with properties set to be demolished and assists with permits, relocation and contracting.
The first two houses chosen for the project were a 1911 Craftsman on Taft Avenue in Hollywood and the second house a 1910 Craftsman on Saint George Street in Los Feliz—the latter of which coincidentally had been moved once before! The house from Los Feliz began its journey early last month to become the new old home of Jacques Laramee and Gwen Sukeena of Altadena. To prepare for the move, the second story was dismantled and stored on the ground floor. That floor was then divided into sections and placed onto flatbed trucks. The sections began to arrive in Altadena on Aug. 5.
Houses such as the one on Taft can often be purchased for as low as $1, with relocation, a new foundation, reassembly and connection to plumbing, gas and electric coming in at over $500,000, depending on size. Further upgrades and renovation add to the cost. It is estimated, however, that relocating and restoring a house costs about a third of the average cost of building a new home. An added bonus is that the process typically takes nine to 12 months as opposed to a three-year timeline for a new build. It is hoped that this is an attractive option for many who lost a home in the Eaton Fire and are looking to return. Omgivning has already located around 80 candidate properties for relocation and many willing buyers.
Landmark winners
Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society named its 2025 Landmark Award winners.
LANDMARK WINNER 601 S. Lorraine Blvd.
The Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society held its annual meeting Aug. 3 at the historic Gilmore Adobe. As chair of the Landmarks Committee, I was given the honor of handing out this year’s awards to three very special properties.
AMAZING wallpaper was seen at the home at 616 S. Windsor Blvd.
616 S. Windsor Blvd. was originally part of a larger estate that included the neighboring property to the north, at 606 S. Windsor Blvd. Designed by Raymond Keiffer, 616 S. Windsor was built as a three-car garage and servant’s quarters resembling a Tudor stable, complete with half-timbering. The property split in 1940, and the former garage came into its own, becoming the main residence. Over the years, it transformed from a simple service structure to a French country manor with lush landscaped gardens. The award was accepted by longtime owners Jasmine Bowers and G. Bernard Brown.
601 S. Lorraine Blvd. is a newly restored home designed by famed Los Angeles architect Paul Williams. The house was commissioned by rancher and investor William Henry Collins in 1932. Williams designed for him a Hollywood Regency house with a French Normandy twist, which resulted in one of Williams’ favorite works, according to his daughter Karen Hudson. The award was accepted by Akilah Releford Gould, the daughter of the current owners, Deb and Bill Releford.
Clinton Manor Apartments
5184 Clinton St., a well-preserved Colonial Revival courtyard apartment complex, received the final award. Built by the Aetna Construction Company in 1940, it was designed by engineer Joseph J. Rees. Its most notable residents were Ruth and Elliot Handler, who after experimenting with plastics went on to found the plastics and toy manufacturer Mattel in 1945. The award was accepted by Joanna Hinksman, a resident of the complex and co-founder of the Clinton Manor Coalition, which led the effort to get the complex designated by the city.
Category: Real Estate
