In early 2025, the Eaton and Palisades fires brought devastating loss to communities across Los Angeles County. Families lost homes, neighborhoods were profoundly altered, and the long process of recovery began. In places such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades, rebuilding meant more than replacing what had been lost. For many residents, it also meant preserving the character and sense of place that had long defined their communities.

In the months that followed, architects, preservationists, and community advocates began asking how recovery could also support preservation. The Historic House Relocation Project grew out of those conversations, offering a creative way to connect threatened historic houses with families working to rebuild.

Launched in 2025 by the architecture and preservation firm Omgivning, the initiative addresses two ongoing challenges in Los Angeles. Each year, many older houses built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are demolished as neighborhoods change and redevelopment pressures increase. At the same time, communities affected by the fires are searching for ways to rebuild that respect the history and identity of their neighborhoods.

The Historic House Relocation Project identifies houses scheduled for demolition and gives them another life by relocating them to properties where families are rebuilding. Many of these homes reflect architectural traditions that shaped the region, including Craftsman, Tudor, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. Instead of being lost, they are carefully moved, restored, and adapted for continued use.

The process requires extensive coordination. Omgivning leads the effort by identifying houses, working with property owners, and pairing structures with families interested in relocating them. A network of partners helps carry out the work, including house movers Dinuba House Movers and American Heavy Moving & Rigging, structural engineers at Nous Engineering, and builders such as Pacifica Urban Builders. Preservation advocates, including the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Santa Monica Conservancy, have also supported the project through outreach and education.

Brad Chambers also played an important role in the project’s early relocations. Drawing on his experience with historic homes, Chambers helped guide aspects of the deconstruction and renovation work for the first relocated houses, contributing practical knowledge that helped move the concept from idea to reality.

Each relocation is carefully planned. Houses are evaluated and documented before the move. In some cases, they are separated into large sections so they can travel safely through city streets. Once they arrive at their new locations, new foundations are constructed, and the homes are rehabilitated to meet current building codes while maintaining their historic character.

Several early relocations demonstrate the promise of this approach. The 1911 Chambers Residence was moved from Hollywood to Altadena for Evan and Caitlin Chambers. The 1910 Alice Blackburn Residence, which had been relocated in the mid-twentieth century, has now been moved again to Altadena for Jacques Laramee and Gwen Sukeena. Another home, the 1926 Tudor-style Martinez Residence, is currently being relocated for David and Lauren Martinez.

The project has also been shared with the public, including a virtual event, “People + Places: On the Move: Historic House Relocation Project,” hosted by the Conservancy.

By reconnecting threatened houses with families working to rebuild, the Historic House Relocation Project demonstrates how preservation can support both community recovery and the future of Los Angeles. The project received the Chair Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award.