Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger have purchased a $12.5 million historic home in Los Angeles, designed by renowned architect Craig Elwood. The couple has demolished the home to make way for their new residence, drawing criticism from preservationists and admirers of Los Angeles architecture.
The home, which was built in the 1960s, was featured in publications and was often toured by guests due to its Modernist design. It was previously owned by Sam and Hilda Rolfe, who lived there for 30 years. Sam Rolfe was a prominent Hollywood figure, known for creating the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s new home is being designed by Ken Ungar and will include a pool and an outdoor cabana. The demolition of the historic home has sparked outrage among preservationists, who argue that it is part of a larger trend of neglecting historical preservation in Los Angeles.
“It’s sad to see icons of modernism needlessly destroyed by insensitive McMansion seekers,” wrote designer David Hill on social media. “Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of LA [that] doesn’t allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense,” added realtor Julie Chang.
