DailyNews.com: Crest Real Estate Introduces Catalog Homes as Blueprint for Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA via DailyNews.com — Crest Real Estate, the region’s leading entitlement and permit‑expediting advisory firm, today unveiled its adoption of catalog home designs to help wildfire‑impacted homeowners rebuild efficiently, cost‑effectively and resiliently. Inspired by mid‑century Case Study homes, the program offers a modern toolkit for post‑disaster recovery.
Reviving a Vintage Concept for Modern Needs
As reported by Los Angeles Daily News, the idea draws on the same Case Study House model that defined innovative residential architecture between 1945 and 1966, now reimagined to serve families rebuilding after January’s Palisades and Eaton fires. Steven and Jason Somers, founders of Crest Real Estate, saw the opportunity to create a catalog of pre‑approved floor plans that can significantly streamline rebuilding for displaced homeowners.
Community‑Centered Rebuilding Strategy
The catalog offers a range of architectural styles—from mid‑century modern to Spanish‑revival—that respect neighborhood character while enabling speedy rebuilds. Dozens of architects have participated in the program, delivering scalable designs homeowners can select easily and affordably at approximately $25 per square foot, a fraction of typical architectural fees.
Once a prototype plan gains initial city or county approval, multiple homes can be built on the same lot or in adjacent lots with dramatically reduced permitting timelines and lower costs—avoiding the common delays faced in wildfire recovery.
Designed for Speed, Durability & Affordability
Crest’s catalog homes are engineered to be fire-resistant, utilizing modern materials that comply with California’s expanding Chapter 7A wildfire building codes. Statewide amendments designate over 1.4 million new acres as high fire-risk zones, meaning more homeowners must comply with rigorous fire-safe construction standards under deadline. Catalog plans help mitigate cost and compliance burdens.
Inside California’s Rebuild Landscape
January’s Southern California wildfires—the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena—destroyed over 18,000 structures across roughly 57,600 acres, making it one of the most destructive wildfire events in state history. Though city, county and state agencies have implemented reforms like CEQA suspensions and streamlined permitting, many homeowners still face lengthy delays, rising material costs, and labor shortages into mid‑2025.
In this environment, the catalog program offers timely relief—enabling residents to move forward with rebuilding faster, more predictably, and with greater peace of mind.
Crest Real Estate’s Role
Crest ensures the catalog program succeeds by:
- Coordinating prototype approval with municipal planning and permitting offices
- Guiding homeowners through evolving fire-safe requirements and code updates
- Partnering with material suppliers and prefab builders to secure cost discounts and speed delivery
- Supporting repeat construction flows that benefit from prior approvals and streamlined environmental review
The result is a replicable model that treats every rebuild not as a fresh submission, but as a continuation of an already-authorized process.
Leadership Perspective
“As wildfires continue to threaten our communities, rebuilding smarter—faster, safer and more beautiful—is no longer optional,” said Jason Somers, President of Crest Real Estate. “This catalog enables homeowners to reclaim their neighborhoods with designs that respect legacy while embracing resilience.”
Founding partner Steven Somers adds: “We’re reconstructing more than houses—we’re rebuilding hope, equity and architectural integrity for fire‑impacted Angelenos.”
Read more at https://www.dailynews.com/2025/06/02/historys-catalog-homes-providing-modern-blueprint-in-las-wildfire-rebuilding/
Jason Somers, President & Founder of Crest Real Estate
With over 15 years of professional experience in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, Jason Somers has the background, judgement and track record to provide an unparalleled level of real estate services. His widespread knowledge helps clients identify and acquire income producing properties and value-ad development opportunities.
Learn more about Jason Somers or contact us.
