Historic and Significant Sites Affected by Fires in LA: Check the Maps
This article has been updated with new details.
The devastating wildfires raging near Los Angeles have impacted numerous historic and culturally important sites. The city boasts over 1,000 historic locations, as noted by the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments registry and the National Register of Historic Places. The Los Angeles Conservancy has currently identified over 40 historic sites that have suffered damage or destruction due to the fires.
Below is an ongoing list of notable landmarks that have been reported as damaged or destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton fires:
Landmarks Lost in the Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire, situated between Malibu and Santa Monica, has obliterated over 1,200 buildings, including homes and businesses, according to estimates by Cal Fire. An additional 200 structures have reported damage. As of Wednesday, the fire was 19% contained.
The following notable sites were affected in the fire:
Palisades Charter High School and Palisades Charter Elementary School
Palisades Charter High School, recognizable from films like “Teen Wolf,” “Carrie,” and the 2003 version of “Freaky Friday,” sustained damage from the fire, as per various local news sources.
Malibu Feed Bin
The Malibu Feed Bin, a beloved pet food store with a nostalgic 1970s vibe along the Pacific Coast Highway, was completely destroyed, as announced on its Facebook page.
Theatre Palisades
Theatre Palisades, a community theater established in 1963 by a group of television writers, experienced significant damage, per its website, and has had to suspend all productions until further notice.
Topanga Ranch Motel and Reel Inn Malibu
The Topanga Ranch Motel was built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst and was a popular site for film and television productions. California State Parks acquired it in 2001 and was in the process of restoring some of the cabins.
The Reel Inn in Malibu, a well-known seafood restaurant along the PCH, was lost to the fire after serving the community for 36 years. The owners have established a recovery fund for their staff.
Pacific Palisades Business Block
Constructed in 1924 by Clinton Nourse, the Spanish colonial revival building was destroyed in the fire and had been recognized as a historic cultural monument by the Los Angeles Conservancy.
Moonshadows Malibu
Moonshadows Malibu, a cherished restaurant along the PCH that had been in operation for nearly four decades, was lost to the flames. The owners have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist their employees with lost wages.
Will Rogers State Park and Topanga State Park
Both of these popular state parks were threatened by the wildfires. At Will Rogers State Historic Park, where the famous cowboy had a sprawling ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, historic structures, including the ranch house, were destroyed, according to a news release from California State Parks.
Landmarks Affected by the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire, located 28 miles inland, has destroyed over 1,400 structures, including homes, schools, and businesses. There have been 212 additional buildings reported as damaged in Altadena, near Pasadena, according to Cal Fire.
The following sites were affected by the fire:
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
In a statement on its website, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center informed its members that their buildings were lost to the fire. “We are heartbroken to announce that PJTC’s buildings caught fire last night,” the letter said, referencing local news reports.
The Bunny Museum
The Bunny Museum in Altadena, a 27-year-old establishment showcasing rabbit-themed artwork and memorabilia, has been completely destroyed. The founders have pledged to rebuild the museum.
Andrew McNally House
This Queen Anne-style residence, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, was named after Andrew McNally, the co-founder of the renowned map company Rand McNally. The mansion burned down on January 8.
Zane Grey Estate
The Zane Grey Estate, which belonged to the famous Western author, was destroyed in the blaze. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Charles S. Fansworth Park
Established in the 1930s, Charles S. Fansworth Park features a playground, walking paths, an amphitheater, and a community center. The Davies Community Center, dating back to 1934, was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places but was destroyed in the Eaton fire.
Janes Cottage/ Janes Village
Located in Altadena, Janes Village was recognized as an Altadena Heritage area in 2002. Many of its historic Janes cottages were lost in the Eaton fire.
Pasadena Waldorf School / Scripps Hall
All buildings on the Pasadena Waldorf School’s Paquita Lick Machris Campus were completely destroyed. The school has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for rebuilding efforts.
Current Closures of LA Landmarks
Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign have remained unaffected by the fires but are currently closed to the public. They will stay closed until Wednesday.
The Getty Villa, located along the PCH and featuring Greek and Roman art and antiquities, has not been threatened by the fires and announced it would remain closed through Thursday, as indicated on its website.
CONTRIBUTORS: Phaedra Trethan, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Gabrielle Banks, and Shawn J. Sullivan, YSL News.