Why Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Are Getting Major Backlash

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger recently caused a stir among preservationists and architectural enthusiasts by demolishing an iconic mid century house in Los Angeles' Brentwood neighborhood.

According to info obtained by Robb Report, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor and his wife purchased the Zimmerman House, designed by renowned architect Craig Ellwood, for $12.5 million in January 2023 and then continued to tear it down to make way for a new construction.

The house, previously owned by television producer Sam Rolfe and his wife Hilda, had been a notable example of Modernist design from the 1950s. Despite its architectural significance and its previous identification as "potentially historic" by the Los Angeles Conservancy, the building was not protected under local historical preservation laws.

The new property, designed by architect Ken Ungar, is expected to feature a modern farmhouse style with amenities such as a backyard swimming pool and a pool house. Records indicate that the decision to demolish the old structure was influenced by its location near a residence owned by Schwarzenegger's mother, Maria Shriver.

This action has sparked a debate on social media about the balance between property rights and historical preservation. One realtor expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of L.A. doesn't allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense - Allowed this mid century modern house to be TORN DOWN."

Others commented on Instagram saying, "Destroying a beautiful piece of architecture with dreamy landscaping; only to build an overrated-done-to-death modern farmhouse style McMansion and the funny part of all this is that in about 10 years, it'll be out of style," and "Hope they at least keep the trees."

Meanwhile, others argue for homeowners' rights, with comments ranging from, "We don't live in museums. Houses are not monuments," to "Good for them. The new home will be designed by a well known architect in a style that suits them."

While their new home is under construction, the couple is residing in their current sprawling, contemporary Mediterranean-style manor. According to the report, they have listed this property for sale with an asking price of $30 million.