Family’s Castle Could Finally Tumble Down : Courts: Battle appears to be near end, as judge refuses to block Irvine from demolishing home.

A 12-year battle over the never-ending remodeling of an Irvine home into a rock-covered baroque castle finally could be over after an Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday refused to block the city from demolishing the house.

An attorney representing the city said plans to demolish the three-story home, dubbed the “Kron Street Castle” by neighbors, probably will go before the City Council for final approval.

“I would think if something is going to happen, it’s going to happen real soon,” said attorney Patrick Munoz.

He said the council could decide either to demolish the home or authorize the city to essentially take over the property and complete the remodeling, which he estimated could cost $150,000 to $200,000.

“Those are really the only two options for the city at this point,” Munoz said.

The court action Wednesday is the latest episode in the long dispute over the three-story home, which city officials have declared violates building and safety codes.

In a compromise, Fern Ganish pleaded no-contest in November to criminal charges filed against her by the city in connection with her refusal to bring the home into compliance with codes. In exchange, she was given one year to finish renovations to the home.

Her husband, Haym Ganish, refused to take part in the compromise agreement, and the Ganishes failed to meet a Dec. 9 deadline to file building plans and post a $50,000 bond.

Attorneys Robert Sainburg and John Barthrop, who represent the Ganishes, argued Wednesday that the family should be given extra time to hire new legal counsel. They requested court permission last month to withdraw from the case.

Munoz argued that the Ganishes have had ample opportunity to hire new lawyers and that the couple has no excuse for failing to meet deadlines established by the court-approved compromise.

“She violated the terms of her probation,” Munoz said to Judge Byron McMillan, pointing a finger at Fern Ganish, who was seated with her husband and two children near the front of the courtroom. “She’s a criminal, your honor, for doing that.”

After about 30 minutes of argument, McMillan ruled against giving the couple any more time.

Sainburg said he would advise the Ganishes to appeal the decision.

“I don’t think it’s over,” he said.

Haym Ganish said he does not believe the city will tear down his home.

“They cannot do that,” he said outside the courtroom. “Not this court and not this judge. They cannot do that.”