One year after the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, communities are beginning to rebuild with a renewed vision for the future. Survivors, who lost their homes in the January 2023 wildfires, are now exploring innovative grassroots real estate ventures aimed at restoring their neighborhoods. Although they cannot reclaim the homes lost, these efforts are helping to redefine what future residences might look like within the towns impacted by the fires.
Grassroots Initiatives Shape Rebuilding Efforts
The past twelve months have seen a surge in grassroots efforts focused on rebuilding historic and modern homes in fire-affected areas. This initiative is not only about construction but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unique architectural character of the neighborhoods. Options now include relocating historic homes that were saved from demolition, bringing in factory-built homes, and selecting pre-approved plans from catalogs designed specifically for these communities.
Among the notable initiatives is the Historic House Relocation Project, led by Morgan Sykes Jaybush, the creative director of the architecture firm Omgivning. The project aims to relocate homes slated for demolition to empty lots in fire-affected areas, allowing families to restore a sense of place while preserving historical character. Jaybush noted, “Relocating houses used to be much more common in Los Angeles, but it’s rarely done nowadays. It’s the most sustainable way to rebuild.”
In early August 2023, Gwen Sukeena and Jacques Laramee witnessed the relocation of a 1910 Craftsman-style house from Los Feliz to their cleared lot in Altadena. The house, notable for its history, was previously moved in 1948 to accommodate freeway construction. As Laramee expressed, “The history of the home captivated us. We had to save this house.”
Innovative Solutions for Housing Displaced Residents
Another significant player in the rebuilding process is the Steadfast LA Foundation Modular Housing Initiative, established by businessman Rick Caruso. This nonprofit, in partnership with Samara—a company co-founded by Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia—aims to provide modular housing for low-income residents affected by the fires. Gebbia has committed $15 million to supply approximately 50 factory-built homes, with sizes ranging from 420-square-foot studios to 950-square-foot two-bedroom units.
Caruso emphasized the initiative’s goal of keeping communities intact, as many displaced individuals have lived in these neighborhoods for decades. “This is about restoring homes and giving people a chance to return to their roots,” he stated.
The Palisades Breeze Bungalow, designed by the architectural firm Architecture JHK, exemplifies the blend of traditional and contemporary styles, showcasing features that can adapt to various design preferences, including Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern.
As rebuilding progresses, organizations like the Builders Alliance are also stepping in to streamline the process. This nonprofit offers a comprehensive digital solution to assist residents in selecting from a library of pre-approved plans, simplifying what can often be a complex and overwhelming process.
Bea Hsu, the president and CEO of Builders Alliance, noted, “You literally pick your home, hire your builder, and never come back to your site until the day it’s ready if that’s what you wanted.” This innovative approach has already attracted significant interest, with thousands of unique visits to their platform since its launch.
As of mid-December 2023, the Builders Alliance has seen over 4,000 unique visits to its platform, with many users actively engaging in selecting and customizing their future homes.
Through these collaborative efforts, fire survivors are not only reimagining their personal futures but also the architectural landscape of their communities. The convergence of traditional designs with modern technologies and community-focused initiatives indicates a promising path forward for those affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
As rebuilding continues, the shared goal remains clear: to create homes that honor the past while embracing the future, allowing survivors to reclaim not just their properties, but their sense of belonging.
