IRVINE : Demolition Plans for ‘Castle’ Home Renewed

A court-ordered compromise to prevent demolition of the Kron Street “castle” home of Haym and Fern Ganish appears to be unraveling.

The Ganishes missed a Dec. 9 deadline to submit new plans for completion of what has become a 12-year remodeling project. City officials sent the Ganishes a warning this week that their house would be demolished Jan. 3 unless they submit the plans and a $50,000 bond.

“The city of Irvine is not making the decision to destroy the Ganishes’ home,” Irvine Mayor Michael Ward said. “That decision is being made by the Ganishes, by not meeting their deadlines.”

The Ganishes have battled with city officials during the last 12 years over the start-and-stop remodeling of their home into a three-story, stone-covered house. City officials have alleged numerous safety code violations.

Fern Ganish pleaded no contest last month to safety code violations filed against her by the city. Her husband refused to be named in the compromise agreement, which gave her until Nov. 9, 1995, to complete the renovations.

But she said her attorneys, Robert Sainburg and John Barthrop, are now seeking court permission to withdraw from her case. She also said they have refused to return building plans.

Sainburg declined comment, and Barthrop did not return phone calls.

“I’m at the point of a nervous breakdown,” Fern Ganish said. “We’re not criminals. I was basically forced into entering a no-contest plea.”

City Atty. Joel D. Kuperberg said the city will move “vigorously” to tear down the home.