Restoration
Even before its completion the Ennis House was marked by structural instability. Concrete blocks had cracked and lower sections of the walls buckled under tension. The use of decomposed granite from the site to color the textile blocks introduced natural impurities to the concrete mix, and combined with air pollution caused premature decay. Attempts to apply a protective coating caused additional problems.
More damage occurred due to the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the record precipitation during the 2004-2005 rainy season. The Ennis House Foundation had estimated that it could cost US$5 million just for stabilization costs, and US$15 million for full restoration. After the rains the building was briefly red-tagged as "no entry" but was down graded to yellow- for limited entry by late 2005. At that point significant damage to the retaining wall at the southern rear of the building remained. In 2005 the house was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of the "11 Most Endangered Historic Places".
In 2006 a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant was issued, as well as a US$4.5 million construction loan through First Republic Bank, which restarted restoration efforts. The project included a new structural support system, restoration or replacement of damaged blocks, restoration of windows, and a new roof. Restoration work was completed in 2007 at a cost of nearly US$6.4 million. No announcement was made regarding access by the public and the Ennis House remains closed to public visitors.
On June 19, 2009 the Ennis House Foundation announced that the house was being offered for sale with an asking price of US$15 million. After being on the market for more than a year the house still had no buyer. The price was then reduced to US$7.495 million. As of April 1, 2011, the price stood at US$5.999 million. On July 15, 2011, The Ennis House Foundation announced the sale to business executive Ron Burkle for just under $4.5 million. A condition of the sale is an easement that allows public viewing 12 days per year, a condition binding on subsequent buyers.
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