The Real Deal: Crest Real Estate Unveils Case Study 2.0 to Fast‑Track Fire Recovery in Southern California
Los Angeles, CA via TheRealDeal.com — Crest Real Estate, the region’s leading entitlement and permit‑expediting firm, today announced the public launch of Case Study 2.0, a landmark initiative crafted to accelerate reconstruction after the January 2025 wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Malibu. Spearheaded by Steven and Jason Somers, Case Study 2.0 revives the iconic Case Study House model to meet urgent recovery needs with architectural integrity and operational efficiency.
A Modern Blueprint for Rebuilding
Case Study 2.0 brings together more than 40 leading architecture firms to create nearly 60 fire‑resilient floor plans tailored to eight common lot sizes in devastated neighborhoods. Styles range from Spanish Colonial and compact modern bungalows to sculptural ranches—offered at a steep discount to owners and builders.
Owners can access these premium designs for just $25 per square foot, roughly 25–35% of typical architectural fees, helping preserve affordability and creative variety.
Streamlining Permits & Construction
Each design undergoes an initial county or city approval—a process projected to take four to six months. Once a plan is approved, subsequent builds using the same design benefit from significantly faster permitting (as little as two months) and smoother construction through repeat build efficiencies.
Material partners are offering 15–30% off on windows, cladding, roofing, and tile. Participating contractors report gains in speed and cost-efficiency through repetition—creating an almost assembly‑line workflow for rebuilding.
Preserving Character, Avoiding Cookie-Cutter Homogeneity
Despite its systematic logic, the program resists bland replication. By using multiple designs across neighborhoods and maintaining architectural quality, Case Study 2.0 ensures rebuilt homes still reflect and reinforce local identity—not tract development.
Steven Somers explains:
“We’re combining architectural quality with the speed and cost‑efficiency that wildfire‑affected families urgently need.”
Jason Somers adds:
“Our goal is to rebuild not just homes, but hope—restoring community identity with beauty, affordability, and resilience.”
The Broader Context of California’s Recovery
Case Study 2.0 is part of a state‑wide rebuild effort. Governor Newsom has issued executive directives to streamline both debris removal and permitting—a “fastest major disaster cleanup in American history,” officials say—as debris clearance nears completion following the Palisades and Eaton fires. Still, permitting delays persist: as of early July, only about 200 out of 800 applications had been approved, with average approval times exceeding 55 days.
In that environment, Case Study 2.0 offers a timely and scalable solution to accelerate recovery without sacrificing design, quality, or equity.
Read more at https://therealdeal.com/la/2025/06/28/case-study-2-0-launches-to-help-fast-track-fire-rebuild/
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.
