The Foothill Catalog is a resource to help Altadena homeowners rebuild after the Eaton Fire, offering pre-designed, streamlined home plans and guidance to make rebuilding faster and easier. Here’s what the Foothill Catalog is and how it helps Altadena’s recovery.
Altadena is a community with deep roots and a unique character. When the wildfires struck in January 2025, many families lost their homes, and with them, a piece of that history. But out of this tragedy has come hope.
One organization leading the way is the Foothill Catalog Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping residents rebuild faster, smarter, and more affordably. They’ve created a collection of ready-to-use home designs that streamline the building process and honor the architectural styles that make Altadena unique.
For homeowners, it’s more than just blueprints – it’s a path forward. Rebuilding Altadena isn’t only about putting up new walls; it’s about restoring a sense of place, preserving community identity, and ensuring that Altadena’s legacy lives on for future generations.
Photo by Ken Lund, CC License
Key Highlights
- Pre-approved home designs: Ready-to-build plans that save time, reduce costs, and make the permit process smoother.
- Inspired by history: Each design reflects Altadena’s distinctive architectural character, preserving the look and feel of the community.
- Built on collaboration: Local nonprofits and groups like Habitat for Humanity are partnering to make rebuilding possible for everyone.
- Equitable access: Resources and support are designed to ensure that all displaced residents have a fair chance to rebuild.
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors and Altadena home builders. We exclusively connect our clients with reputable contractors who have successfully passed our rigorous screening process.
We stand committed and ready to help our Altadena neighbors with the resources they need to rebuild their home…anyone can feel free to call our Remodeling Advisors at 818.317.3567 to get guidance and support for any questions they have about new home construction.
How They Help Altadena
The Foothill Catalog Foundation was created with one big goal: to help families rebuild without losing what makes Altadena special. Drawing inspiration from the classic Sears Catalog Homes of the early 1900s, the team has developed a library of thoughtfully designed plans that reflect the architectural charm of Southern California.
These plans come in a range of styles, sizes, and layouts – so whether you’re rebuilding a cozy bungalow or a larger family home, there’s an option that fits your needs. And because the designs are preapproved by LA County, homeowners can bypass many of the delays that typically accompany custom plans and permitting.
In short, the Catalog makes it easier for families to rebuild quickly, affordably, and in a way that feels true to Altadena’s history.
Pre-Approved Plans From the Foothill Catalog
Altadena’s homes aren’t just buildings, they’re part of the community’s story. The Foothill Catalog Foundation honors that history by offering pre-approved designs that blend timeless style with modern convenience.
With these plans, homeowners gain a predictable, efficient, and cost-conscious path to rebuilding. As co-founder and architect Cynthia Sigler explains, “Our goal was to fill a gap. People needed options that were both beautiful and buildable, without getting lost in red tape.”
By removing many of the common roadblocks, the Catalog helps families focus on what matters most: getting back into a home they love, faster.
The Carmelina
Photo Credit: The Foothill Catalog Foundation, concept design by Daniel Kiser
Inspired by Spanish-Colonial design, this plan features classic stucco walls, red tile roofs, and graceful arched doorways. Many layouts also include courtyards or patios, which are perfect for Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
The Marlowe
Photo Credit: The Foothill Catalog Foundation, concept design by Elizabeth Mullally
For those who love character and charm, the Marlowe captures the look of an English Tudor. With steeply pitched roofs, half-timbered details, and tall, narrow windows, it feels like a storybook cottage brought to life.
The Lewis
Photo Credit: The Foothill Catalog Foundation, concept design by The Foothill Catalog
A nod to the beloved Craftsman style, the Lewis emphasizes natural materials, broad front porches, and hand-crafted details. It’s warm, welcoming, and built for families who want timeless comfort.
These plans are just a glimpse of what’s available through the Foothill Catalog. Each design reflects Altadena’s architectural heritage, helping new homes feel connected to the neighborhood’s past. More than just rebuilding houses, the Catalog is rebuilding the sense of community that makes Altadena so special.
Designing With Resilience in Mind
Rebuilding after a wildfire isn’t just about speed or cost, it’s about safety too. Every home in the Foothill Catalog is designed to meet California’s strict Chapter 7A fire-safety standards, required in high fire-risk zones like Altadena.
From roofing and siding materials to windows, doors, and even landscaping recommendations, each detail was chosen to balance safety, sustainability, and style. As Sigler explains, “Modern fire resiliency and retaining architectural identity don’t have to be at odds. We wanted to honor Altadena’s historic home styles while ensuring they meet today’s resilience standards.”
The result is a set of homes that look right for Altadena and are also built to protect families for decades to come.
More Than Plans: A Connector for Survivors
The Foothill Catalog goes beyond providing home designs, they also serve as a connector for families handling the tough road to recovery. Homeowners can access trusted builders, explore financing and loan options, and find support to help bridge insurance gaps.
As Sigler shares, “We especially want to reach those who are severely underinsured and feel like they have no other options.”
For her and the team, the real reward is personal: “After such a traumatic experience, being able to help families feel hopeful and excited about their future again is incredibly meaningful.”
The Catalog isn’t just about rebuilding houses, it’s about helping people feel supported, understood, and optimistic again.
Supporting Local Homeowners
For families ready to rebuild, the Foothill Catalog makes the process simpler and far less overwhelming. At its core are pre-approved home designs: plans that already meet county requirements, so homeowners can move forward without months of permit delays.
Each design respects Altadena’s classic architectural character while offering flexibility in size and layout. That means residents can choose a home that fits their lifestyle, budget, and vision, all while keeping costs down.
Just as important, the Catalog helps homeowners take back control of their land, their future, and their role in the community. By removing barriers and offering clear resources, it gives families the confidence to take steps toward their rebuilding journey and stay rooted in Altadena.
Community-Driven Rebuilding Initiatives
Rebuilding Altadena is more than a construction project, it’s a community effort. The Foothill Catalog partners with local groups and residents, ensuring that the recovery process is shaped by the very people who call Altadena home.
This approach is about more than replacing houses. It’s about strengthening connections, fostering pride, and making sure neighbors feel supported every step of the way. When the community leads the rebuilding, the result isn’t just restored homes, it’s a stronger, more united Altadena, ready to carry its spirit forward.
Collaborative projects with organizations like Habitat for Humanity
Partnerships are at the heart of the Foothill Catalog’s impact. By teaming up with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding in Altadena becomes a true community effort. Habitat’s hands-on approach of mobilizing volunteers, providing resources, and keeping costs affordable makes it possible for more families to return home.
A standout example is the Lewis design, the first single-family home plan pre-approved by Los Angeles County. This milestone speeds up the permitting process, helping families begin construction without months of delays.
When groups like the Foothill Catalog and Habitat For Humanity join forces, the results go beyond homes. They preserve Altadena’s architectural charm, help neighbors to lend a hand, and strengthen the bonds that hold the community together.
Helping residents through pre-approved plans and resources
At its core, the Foothill Catalog is about giving homeowners back control. By offering pre-approved home designs, the Catalog removes many of the barriers that slow down rebuilding and puts the power back in residents’ hands.
Here’s how the Catalog helps:
- Affordable choices: A variety of designs at different price points, so families can find something that fits their budget.
- Faster approvals: Because plans are already vetted, the permitting process is smoother and less stressful.
- Step-by-step support: Educational resources, workshops, and community events give homeowners confidence throughout the rebuilding journey.
Whether it’s seniors looking for a simple solution or families eager to return home quickly and affordably, the Catalog makes the process approachable and achievable. By combining practical tools with community support, it ensures that rebuilding is possible and equitable and helping for everyone in Altadena.
Rebuilding Altadena
Rebuilding Altadena is both a practical and deeply personal effort. With the Foothill Catalog, residents have access to ready-to-build designs, reliable resources, and the guidance needed to move forward with confidence.
These plans respect the character of Altadena’s historic neighborhoods while also making the rebuilding process faster, more affordable, and more accessible. As neighbors, nonprofits, and local organizations come together, the effort strengthens community ties and accelerates recovery.
Looking ahead, the Catalog will continue to engage residents through workshops and events, giving homeowners the tools to actively shape their future. By working side by side, Altadena can remain vibrant, united, and full of the character that makes it such a special place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Foothill Catalog and who is it for?
The Foothill Catalog is a collection of pre-approved home designs created to reflect Altadena’s historic architectural styles. The Catalog’s pre-approved plans are available to any homeowner impacted by the 2025 wildfires.
How does the Catalog make rebuilding easier?
Because the plans are already pre-approved, the permitting process is much faster and less stressful. Homeowners can choose from designs that fit their budget and style, while saving both time and money – all without sacrificing the look and feel of Altadena’s neighborhoods.
Are there events or workshops for homeowners?
Yes. The Foothill Catalog is regularly a part of local educational workshops and community events where homeowners can get guidance on rebuilding, meet trusted partners, and connect with other residents going through the same process.
How can I get involved in the rebuilding effort?
There are lots of ways to participate. You can volunteer with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, attend workshops, or lend a hand to local rebuilding projects. The Catalog regularly shares opportunities for residents to contribute and support their neighbors.
Where can I learn more about funding and support?
The Foothill Catalog website is a hub for resources. Contact the Foothill Catalog Foundation to get connected to their team and learn more about how pre-approved plans can help close funding gaps to make rebuilding accessible to all.
Here at GreatBuildz, we’re ready to support our Altadena neighbors with the resources they need to repair or rebuild their home…feel free to call our Remodeling Advisors at 818.317.3567 to get guidance and support for any fire rebuild or repair issue.
