People are angry at Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger for demolishing a historic home in Brentwood, California known as the Zimmerman House, designed by modernist architect Craig Ellwood. The home, commissioned in 1949, had five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and was considered a rare example of Ellwood’s work. Despite having been sold twice before in 1968 and 1975, the property was torn down by Pratt and Schwarzenegger, who are now building a farmhouse-style mansion in its place designed by Ken Ungar.
The internet has criticized Pratt and Schwarzenegger, calling them ‘McMansion seekers’ for destroying the historic home and replacing it with a modern abode. People on social media expressed disappointment and outrage over the couple’s decision to demolish the Zimmerman House, with many feeling that the destruction of such a significant piece of architectural history was unnecessary. The Los Angeles Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic places, emphasized the importance of updating and expanding older homes while still respecting their original architecture and design.
Despite the backlash, both Pratt and Schwarzenegger have remained silent on the issue, with no comments or statements released by their representatives. Craig Ellwood’s daughter, Erin Ellwood, expressed her views on the situation, stating that while she would have preferred to see the Zimmerman House preserved in an innovative way, she is not bitter about its destruction. Ellwood acknowledged the sentimentality attached to the home as a time capsule of her father’s work but also recognized the couple’s desire to build a new home near family members, including Schwarzenegger’s mother Maria Shriver.
Ellwood suggested that perhaps there could have been a more creative way to honor the Zimmerman House before its demolition, such as offering tours or donating materials. She noted that while some people may have been deeply affected by the destruction of the home, she did not consider it to be her father’s best work and was more understanding of Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s decision to build a new residence. Despite her acceptance of the situation, Ellwood expressed regret that the historic home could not have been preserved in a way that respected its architectural significance and history.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s decision to demolish the Zimmerman House highlights the tension between modern development and historic preservation. While some may view the construction of a new mansion as progress and personal choice, others see it as a loss of cultural heritage and architectural legacy. The debate raises questions about the balance between growth and conservation in urban development and the responsibility of property owners to consider the historical and cultural value of the buildings they choose to demolish or preserve.
