Header Photo by Jeff McLain
The recent fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reflection of the deepening climate crisis, which is threatening not only our environment but also our cultural and architectural heritage. As natural disasters become more frequent, we are reminded of how fragile our most cherished places truly are. The loss of these places erases history, creativity, and the soul of a city.
Among the affected sites is the Zane Grey Estate in Altadena, a home that combines Spanish, Mission, and Mediterranean Revival design. Built in 1907 by architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, this 7,240-square-foot estate was originally constructed as the first fire-proof structure in the area, built with reinforced concrete after the 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago. The author, Zane Grey, purchased the home in 1920 and added a 3,500-square-foot extension, which included a library and office where he penned his famous works. Over the years, this home became a symbol of architectural resilience and creative legacy, with original cast-iron sconces, iron handrails, and chandeliers preserving the charm of the past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate was a reminder of a bygone era, and its loss is felt deeply by those who understood its cultural significance.
Also in Altadena, Gregory Ain’s Park Planned Homes, designed in 1948 with the help of landscape architect Garrett Eckbo, have been lost in the fires. This striking community of 28 Midcentury Modern homes was conceived as a social experiment to provide cost-effective, prefabricated housing for working-class families. The homes, designed with side-facing garages, interior courtyards, and glass walls, were intended to create a sense of openness and community, with continuous landscaping and no front fences, making the area feel more like a park than a suburban neighborhood.
Palisades Charter High School, featured in films like Teen Wolf, Carrie, and Freaky Friday, has been severely damaged by the Palisades Fire. The school’s classic mid-century design, marked by its open campus layout and simple, functional buildings, was a recognizable backdrop in countless movies, contributing to the visual language of American high schools in pop culture.
The Getty Villa, which houses priceless Greek and Roman art, was also affected by the fires, with damage to the trees and vegetation around the museum. Though the buildings remain intact, this tragedy underscores the constant battle to protect our history and the lasting impact of our climate crisis.
One of the fortunate survivors of the fire was the Getty Center, perched high above Los Angeles with its striking modernist architecture designed by Richard Meier. Known for its sleek white façade, geometric forms, and expansive views, the Getty Center is a beacon of contemporary design and art in Los Angeles. It was briefly under an evacuation order, but its design and integration with the landscape helped protect it from the worst of the fire. The Getty’s survival is a small relief in the wake of such devastation, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of resilient design in the face of climate challenges.
The recent fires also left many without homes. Among the more than 80,000 displaced, celebrities like Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Tatum O’Neal have seen their homes reduced to ash. Other well-known figures like Chrissy Teigen and Britney Spears evacuated as the fire spread. However, the fire’s destruction has affected countless families and individuals who are not in the public eye—people who have lost everything and need our support. If you can, take a moment to research organizations providing relief to the fire-affected communities. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference in the lives of those rebuilding their homes, futures, and sense of security.
