Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update

Words: Justin Stengel

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Museum. This ambitious project aims to salvage and relocate historically significant chimneys from homes consumed by the fires, transforming them into a powerful community memorial.

The fires left behind a landscape of charred ruins, yet amidst the devastation, these resilient chimneys stood as reminders of what was lost. Hall recognized their symbolism and the urgency to preserve these unique remnants.

The Scope of the Mission
Project Chimney initially identified over 55 surviving chimneys, some designed by architectural giants such as Richard Neutra, Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., Eric Lloyd Wright, Paul R. Williams, and Ray Kappe. Through careful selection and collaboration with homeowners, this list was narrowed down to seven chimneys for salvage. This diverse collection showcases a wide range of design sensibilities, offering a unique architectural snapshot of the affected area.

Overcoming Challenges
The undertaking has been both logistically and financially challenging. Project Chimney has been working against a tight deadline set by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the post-fire cleanup. Major Matt Grussing, deputy commander of the Army Corps' emergency field office for the Palisades, affirmed the Corps' efforts to be flexible while prioritizing public health and safety.

Despite these pressures, Project Chimney has made significant progress. Their first successful relocation was a chimney designed by Ray Kappe at the end of May, followed by a Neutra-designed chimney on Monument Street. As of early July, a fifth chimney had been successfully relocated, with hopes to move the remaining four.

The Preservation Process and Collaborative Spirit
The meticulous process of salvaging these massive structures involves building a steel cage around each chimney and disassembling it in large pieces to minimize alteration, a method designed by preservationist Ean Frank, President of Significant Structures. This approach aims to "preserve the patina of the fire," maintaining the unique character imparted by the disaster.

This vital mission has also garnered support from skilled tradespeople. Andy Gerber, a mason and president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4, has volunteered his time and expertise, expressing deep respect for the craftsmanship evident in these structures.

Dan Ricketts from GBC Concrete and Masonry said, “We build, we don’t tear down. Our work with brick, block, and stone has always been about creating spaces that endure, honor, and uplift. [This project is] more than an idea to us; it’s a symbol of resilience and remembrance.”

A Memorial for the Community
The ultimate goal of Project Chimney is to create a permanent memorial for the community using these salvaged chimneys, at a site yet to be identified. The group is actively petitioning the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for a suitable location, with the chimneys currently held in storage.

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update

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