The Patton Street Cottages are Doomed

Remember 359 Patton Street, the 1885 cottage that recently caught fire?

359 and its neighbor 353/351 have been neglected for some time (photos in the linked post bear me out on that). “Scout” provided these updated pictures; note the “Notice of Demolition” sign.

Another neighbor commented on the previous post:

In case the image isn’t loading, the text says “There was another fire next door on his other property last week. The owner is also is a member of the echo park neighborhood council.”

I won’t be doxxing anyone today, but I have serious questions about how someone who doesn’t take care of their properties could even theoretically get to be on a neighborhood council. Especially in Echo Park, one of the city’s oldest existing neighborhoods, when it’s two Victorian-era properties being allowed to fall into such appalling disrepair. Why own property in a historic neighborhood if you don’t respect the historic charm that makes it unique and special?

Pride of ownership is dead in Los Angeles, along with accountability and common sense. Before the fire damage, these buildings could have been moved and restored. Heck, I would have taken them in a heartbeat if I owned vacant land.

Demo permits are still pending. For 359, there’s a note: “DEMO EXISITNG SFD. **Comply with Department Order effective date 06/16/2026. **” (The spelling error is theirs, obviously.) June 16 is two days after the original post, and eight days after the fire. I’m guessing LADBS finally had to say something to the owner.

I still have not seen any evidence of a replacement project, let alone an approved one.

It gets worse: neighboring 363 Patton Street had a heavy fire on July 31. It, too, burned on June 8 - and again on June 17.

No one should have to live next to this. Period.

359 Patton Street, Echo Park.