Altadena couple rebuilding their home of 55 years after Eaton Fire

An Altadena community is helping beat the odds for one Altadena couple: Verne and Diane Williams have lived in their home for five decades before the Eaton Fire destroyed it.

Diane, 87, and her husband Verne, 91, are picturing gathering with their 15 grandchildren and children in the newly built home.

“We just want to be able to live long enough to walk through that door. And it looks like it’s getting closer and closer to a reality now,” Diane said.

With their family helping with the permits and paperwork for construction, the elderly couple is concentrating on returning permanently to the beloved community of Altadena.

“I’m so thrilled that there are so many people rebuilding,” she said.

While incorporating the family’s opinions and traditions, Kevin Sacks, their architect, is trying to make sure to modernize an open concept plan and with materials called den’s glass.

“It covers all the plywood and wood studs from any fire that’s coming out so it’s an extra protection protective layer,” Sacks said.

After renting a home for more than a year, Diane said when it’s time to step into the new home, she would feel emotional.

“I will probably cry. Crying happiness,” she said.

“It would be wonderful if I was young and able to pick her up and take her through the door in my eyes. Yeah, that would be great. I don’t see myself quite in that state of energy,” Verne said.