DEMOLISHED: Designed by famed architect Hal Thompson and originally built in 1918 for Orville Thorp, the state manager of Kansas City Life Insurance Company, this Neoclassical residence was torn down in Highland Park, Texas. See inside: https://www.priceypads.com/1918-architect-hal-thomson-designed-neoclassical-residence-demolished/ | Pricey Pads

Santa Monica architect Greg Chasen told me it was a whole lotta luck and some thoughtful, eco-conscious design that saved his creation in Pacific Palisades. Stone is the most obvious fireproof building material, but in earthquake country. It becomes a lot more complicated…still, it’s a safe bet insurance companies will be incentivizing more practical firesmart ideas as the city rebuilds. | Bill Weir