No strangers to online critics, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are once again being slammed by internet trolls. This time, it is about the couple’s recent decision to demolish a historic LA home.
The Robb Report recently revealed that the couple had torn down the Zimmerman House, which was designed by famous architect Craig Ellwood.
The Zimmerman House was commissioned in 1949 by Martin and Eva Zimmerman. It was completed in 1950. The single-story 2,770 square feet house had five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It also featured gardens and a landscape by designer Garrett Eckbo.
Following the Zimmermans’ departure, Sam Rolfe, who co-created the spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Have Guns – Will Travel, purchased the property for $205,000.
After Rolfe’s passing in 1993, his widow Hilde continued to reside at the home. Nearly 30 years after his death, she passed away. The home was sold for $12.5 million to Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger following Hilde’s death, despite the property never being listed on the open market.
The Robb Report noted the new home is being designed by LA architect Ken Ungar.
The Los Angeles Conservancy announced the couple’s demolition intentions last year. “It is unclear what is motivating this demolition,” the organization wrote. “As it is not for sale and has not been transferred out of longtime ownership. Viable alternatives to demolition are available.”
Responding to the news, realator Julie Chang wrote on X, “Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of LA doesn’t allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense – Alloed this midcentury modern house to be TORN DOWN.”
Designer David Hill also stated it was sad to see “icons of modernism” being destroyed by “insensitive McMansion seekers.”
Many Pushback About Mid-Century Property Demo Outrage, Saying Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger Can Do Whatever They Want to Their Property
Meanwhile, many commenters responded to the outrage over the Zimmerman House demolition by stating Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger can do whatever they want to their property.
“It’s not a historical monument,” one Instagram user stated in their response to the Los Angeles Conservancy post. “There are so many homes in Los Angeles older than this home and many have been torn down for a new home. Private property is just that… private for them to do as they please with their home. They have to live it in… Not any complainer.”
The user also wrote that if the Los Angeles Conservancy wanted the property to be saved, the organization should have bought the home.
Another Instagram user praised the couple for designing their new home. “The new home will be designed by a well-known architect in a style that suits them. Your wants are irrelevant since this place wasn’t purchased by anyone interested in living 1950s style nor was it designed [for] historical protection. All the complainers had ample time to do either.