In a move that's sending shockwaves through Los Angeles's architectural community, a striking Brutalist mansion once belonging to billionaire Nicolas Berggruen is facing complete demolition after being sold to new owners.
The £15 Million Property Set for Transformation
The controversial concrete and glass structure, nestled in the exclusive Bird Streets neighbourhood above Sunset Strip, has been purchased by buyers who have already filed permits to tear down the existing home. The new owners plan to replace the architectural statement piece with a modern family residence better suited to their needs.
Architectural History Meets Modern Practicality
Originally designed by renowned architect Marmol Radziner, the property served as Berggruen's personal residence during his time in Los Angeles. The billionaire philanthropist, sometimes called the 'homeless billionaire' for his preference for hotel living, eventually sold the property in 2017 for £15 million.
The current sale represents another chapter in the property's controversial history. While celebrated by architectural enthusiasts for its bold Brutalist design, the mansion has divided opinion among neighbours and preservationists.
Neighbourhood Reactions and Development Trends
The planned demolition reflects an ongoing trend in Los Angeles's most exclusive neighbourhoods, where older or architecturally significant homes are frequently replaced by modern constructions better aligned with contemporary luxury living standards.
Property records indicate the new owners have engaged their own architectural team to design a replacement structure that will occupy the prime 1.3-acre hillside plot. The demolition permit, filed with the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, clears the way for the complete removal of the existing structure.
The Legacy of Berggruen's California Retreat
During his ownership, Berggruen used the property as his primary California base while overseeing his investment empire and philanthropic activities through the Berggruen Institute. The think tank focuses on political and social transformations in what the billionaire has termed 'The Great Transformation' of the 21st century.
As wrecking crews prepare to transform another piece of Los Angeles's architectural landscape, the property's fate highlights the ongoing tension between architectural preservation and modern development in the city's most coveted neighbourhoods.
