A magnificent two-story Craftsman gem featuring extensive mahogany woodwork interior, built-ins, turn-of-the-century fireplace tilework and much more, was razed by the Atherton Baptist Home to make way for a delivery driveway into their 3-block compound.

Despite claims from Atherton that the home was in "disrepair" (and who owned, neglected and let it fall into disrepair all these years?) this home, one of Alhambra's earliest, was reduced to a pile of splinterwood. More here.

In February of 2001, five quaint, single-family homes on S. Sixth Street built in the early 1920's were razed. Of these five homes, four sat literally side-by-side with large yards and plentiful shade-giving trees. The four in a row were classic Cape Cod style with custom built wooden bookcases, pristine oak hardwood floors, brass lighting fixtures and other early turn of the century amenities.

The fifth single-family home which was directly across the street, was a 1930's Tudor styled with large ceiling box beams.

From the time the properties were fenced off to becoming bare, vacant lots was approximately 2 months. It took nearly 3 years for the new owner to build and complete 4 ugly McMansions which stick out (and not favorably) from the rest of the neighborhood. Construction crews disrupted the quiet street the entire time with bulldozers, and city crews ripped up the street for new utility lines. To add further blight, this also included tearing out 5 mature trees that used to provide shady comfort to the neighborhood as well as for the children attending the elementary school directly across the street.

As with most McMansions, the lot is now 90-95% percent built on and paved over with cement.

The Sad Ending to the Perl Home

Another magnificent Craftsman home meets the wrecking ball. This home once belonged to a notable Alhambran businessman. More here.