Monocle.com: Crest Real Estate Champions “Design‑First” Recovery in Pacific Palisades Post‑Wildfire
Los Angeles, CA — Crest Real Estate, the region’s leading entitlement and permitting consultancy, is spotlighting emerging grassroots and design-driven approaches accelerating the rebuilding of Pacific Palisades following the January wildfires. As featured in Monocle magazine’s latest case study, developers and architects are prioritizing fire‑resistant, community‑centric design through practical rebuild strategies.
A New Model for Rebuilding
In the wake of destructive blazes, the Somers brothers—owners of Crest Real Estate—are collaborating with architects and engineers to pilot “resilient rebuilds” that serve three key goals: cost‑effectiveness, speed, and fire resistance, all while preserving architectural beauty. As Jason Somers explains to Monocle, “We want to create cost‑effective, time‑efficient and fire‑resilient solutions that are also beautiful”.
This approach integrates cutting-edge materials, modular construction techniques, and refined permitting pathways to support rapid but thoughtful recovery. Crest is leveraging its deep expertise in Southern California land-use regulations, expediting processes traditionally bogged down by red tape.
Community‑Led Recovery
The model emphasizes a bottom-up revitalization of community structures. Architectural teams, supported by Crest, are engaging homeowners in planning resilient rebuilds that reinforce neighborhood identity. According to Monocle, “No situation is more critical than building back a community”.
This pilot programme is gaining momentum: modular components reduce labor bottlenecks, while prefabricated and resilient materials help projects leapfrog typical delays. Crest’s coordination streamlines timelines and boosts confidence among contractors and local agencies.
Crest’s Role
As Palisades’ permitting specialist, Crest Real Estate is playing a pivotal role in enabling this innovative recovery model:
- Regulatory strategy – Interpreting evolving fire‑resistance rules, code exemptions, and compliance paths.
- Fast‑track permitting – Guiding clients through self‑certification, “like‑for‑like” rebuilding waivers, and local approvals.
- Vendor facilitation – Coordinating prefab builders, resilient‑materials suppliers, and architects with speed and cohesion.
- Government engagement – Working closely with City and County agencies to reduce bureaucratic barriers and expedite rebuilds.
“By aligning design innovation with regulatory agility, we’re helping homeowners rebuild safer, faster—and more beautifully,” said Jason Somers, President of Crest Real Estate.
Read more at https://monocle.com/business/case-study-palisades-recovery/
Listen to the Podcast: https://monocle.com/radio/shows/the-urbanist/694/
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.
