Historical preservation tends to be a niche interest. But one landmarks-related news item out of Los Angeles this spring managed a rare pop-cultural breakthrough: Hollywood actor Chris Pratt—better known as Marvel superhero Star Lord—and wife Katherine Schwarzenegger—better known as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter—purchased and swiftly demolished the 1950 Ellwood Zimmerman House in Brentwood, a masterpiece of West Coast Modernism by legendary architect Craig Ellwood.
The celebrity couple, who had shelled out $12.5 million for the 2,800-square-foot residence, were tight-lipped as to their reasons. The internet, however, was very vocal indeed, and a mini-uproar ensued as thousands expressed their disapproval if not quite their surprise.