David Martinez and his family lost their home in Altadena, California, during a fire on January 7, 2025. The family had lived in their bungalow for eight years, and Lauren Martinez described it as the first home they bought after getting married. After the fire, they discovered they were underinsured, with rebuilding costs significantly higher than expected. In May 2025, Lauren met Evan Chambers, who had also lost his home but planned to relocate a historic house instead of rebuilding. This led to the launch of the Historic House Relocation Project in July 2025, aimed at helping fire victims return to homes more quickly and affordably. The project is spearheaded by Omgivning, an architectural firm specializing in adaptive reuse. The idea of moving houses, which was common in Los Angeles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has resurfaced due to the recent fires and the availability of vacant lots. The project has garnered support from various community members and aims to preserve historic homes while addressing the housing needs of those affected by the fires.
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Relocation Project Aims to Help Fire Victims in Altadena, California
The Historic House Relocation Project was initiated in Altadena, California, to assist families affected by recent fires in rebuilding their homes more affordably by relocating historic houses. The project emerged after community members recognized the potential to repurpose existing structures rather than constructing new ones, amidst rising rebuilding costs and a shortage of available housing.
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Omgivning
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David Martinez
Lauren Martinez
Evan Chambers
Caitlin Chambers
Morgan Sykes Jaybush
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The Great Floating Homes of Los Angeles
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Relocation Project Aims to Help Fire Victims in Altadena, California