IRVINE : More Time Granted for Castle-Home Plans

Two City Council members disclosed this week that Haym and Fern Ganish were granted another chance to file building plans and post a bond to guarantee completion of their castle-like home.

After a 13-year battle with the city over the on-and-off transformation of the Kron Street house into a stone-covered castle, council members say their patience has worn thin. But they are equally wary of the publicity that would come from demolition of the Ganish home.

“If it has to be, then we’re willing to deal with that,” said Councilman Barry J. Hammond of the city’s threat to demolish the house. City officials allege that the house is unsafe and in violation of state building codes.

A Nov. 9 court judgment gave the Ganishes one year to complete their home, contingent on a series of deadlines to submit plans, post a $50,000 bond and complete various phases of construction. But on Jan. 18, an Orange County Superior Court judge refused to block the city from demolishing the house after the Ganishes failed to meet a Dec. 9 deadline to file building plans.

“We’re working on them,” Fern Ganish said Wednesday. “I’m not the one drawing up plans, so that’s all I can say.”

Irvine Mayor Michael Ward and Councilwoman Paula Werner met privately with the Ganishes on Friday in an attempt to spare the home from demolition. Both Ward and Werner have declined comment on the meeting. But after discussing the meeting behind closed doors Tuesday night, Councilwoman Christina L. Shea said the extended deadline does not release the Ganishes from court-ordered requirements for completion of their home.

“We have to implement laws and do what’s right for the community,” Shea said. “We’re trying to find some middle ground.”