Historic House relocation in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
A cluster of century‑old Victorian homes once slated for demolition in Lincoln Heights is getting a second life, and offering one to families who lost everything in the Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
Preserved during construction of the Brine Residential development, the homes were donated by the Culver City–based nonprofit DECRO Corporation. Rather than being torn down, the structures were lifted, reinforced, and in some cases separated into transportable sections before being moved across Los Angeles streets in an overnight operation.
In the early morning hours, crews guided the historic buildings through the city, completing the first phase of a plan to convert them into permanent housing for fire‑affected families in Altadena. Once on site, the homes will be set on new foundations, reassembled, and restored to showcase their original Victorian craftsmanship.
The relocated buildings will replace residences destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Brooke Lohman‑Janz and Michael Janz will receive a full two‑story Victorian home. Anna Schlobohm de Cruder will receive two smaller structures, one to replace her primary residence and another to stand in for the accessory dwelling unit she lost. The second building will also allow her to generate rental income once rebuilt.
Reflecting on the move, Brooke Iva Lohman-Janz shared a personal message about the home’s future: “A little love note to the house that will be our home. She’s stood for 131 years so far, and she will get the chance to stand for 131 more once we are done with her. Welcome to Altadena, little Greek Revival Victorian! See you this week on our lot, The Universe willing!!”
DECRO identified the historic homes during planning for its 97‑unit Brine Residential project and chose preservation over demolition. The organization then partnered with preservation‑focused developer Brad Chambers, who provided expertise in relocating and restoring older structures.
Once fully restored, the homes will serve as long‑term housing for families rebuilding their lives after the fire, returning both shelter and architectural history to the community.
The house before it was moved (Photo – brookeivalohmanjanz)
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