| Pasadena Heritage is involved with many preservation issues and projects at any given time. We also monitor other projects that are pending or in progress, and we want to keep our members and readers informed about them. Under the heading of Preservation Watch, we will continue to publish brief updates. Please call or email us if you have questions or information to share. We will still highlight a “Most Endangered” site when there is a high level of concern or an imminent threat. |
|
|
MOST ENDANGERED
|
|
Julia Morgan building (formerly YWCA)
|
|
|
This long-vacant building in the Civic Center, designed by architect Julia Morgan, is one of Pasadena’s most significant buildings. On April 12, 2010 the City Council voted to acquire the site by eminent domain. Pasadena Heritage stands by ready to support the right solution for the building and is hopeful that the City acquire the property quickly and stabilize the structure to avoid further deterioration.
|
| |
| All Saints Church |
 |
|
A major expansion is planned for All Saints Church at 132 North Euclid, across from City Hall. Four new buildings are proposed north of the original church complex, designed by Johnson, Kaufmann and Coate in 1923. All Saints is currently preparing an EIR, as requested by the Planning Commission back in December of 2008. A Draft EIR is expected this Spring.
|
| |
| Ambassador West |
| Real estate investment firm City Ventures has recently acquired a large portion of the former Ambassador College campus, and plans to move forward with development of the previously approved market-rate condominiums. They expect to build in three phases, staggered approximately one year apart. An application for Concept Design Review for the ten condominiums along Del Mar is expected in late June 2010. Pasadena Heritage will work with the developer and other stakeholders to ensure the design is compatible with surrounding historic buildings. The status of the approved senior housing component along the Colorado frontage, which was not acquired by City Ventures, remains uncertain. Also, the historic Mayfair Mansion has been sold for use as a single family home, while the Terrace Villa will be used as a temporary field office for City Ventures. |
| |
| Bungalow Courts |
| Pasadena Heritage constantly watches for threats to bungalow courts, a unique housing type that originated in Pasadena. More than 80 courts remain within the city, and approximately 30 are listed on the National Register. Pasadena Heritage supports a recent City initiative to approach other owners about landmarking. Bowen Court, the largest and one of the most significant, has long suffered from deferred maintenance, but some work on the buildings is now underway. Restoration of Haskett Court by Heritage Housing Partners is now complete. |
| |
| Constance Hotel |
 |
| Environmental study is nearing completion for a large office and retail project on Colorado Boulevard, including rehabilitation of the landmark hotel. |
| |
| Herkimer Arms Apartments (Fuller Seminary Campus) |
|
| The only existing apartment building designed by Greene & Greene (1912) has been relocated from the Fuller campus to North Raymond Avenue. Pasadena Heritage fought to keep the Herkimer Arms standing, and Heritage Housing Partners stepped in to move it. A loan from our Preservation Fund is assisting the project, and rehabilitation work will now begin. |
| |
| La Loma Bridge |
 |
| The restoration/rehabilitation alternative approved for this “little sister of the Colorado Street Bridge” has been delayed due to the discovery of more fault lines running beneath the bridge. Redesign of the retrofit is underway, and an oversight committee will should begin meeting soon. |
| |
| Las Encinas |
| The City Council approved the new Master Development Plan for the Las Encinas campus. In the current plan, all but one of the historic buildings on the grounds will be saved, and many of these will be nominated to the National Register. Pasadena Heritage has strongly advocated as a Historic District. Pasadena Heritage has strongly advocated for the protection of Las Encinas’ historic resources. |
| |
| Pasadena Playhouse |
 |
| The Pasadena Playhouse remains dark, and we wish the Playhouse institution well in its efforts to regroup and find a way forward. Pasadena Heritage holds a preservation easement on the historic Playhouse building, which is owned by a private individual. Any changes to the exterior of the National Register building must be approved by Pasadena Heritage. The City of Pasadena controls the use of the Playhouse, itself. It has been leased to the Playhouse organization for free since the 1980s. |
| |
| Raymond Theatre |
 |
| The hotly debated housing and commercial project that includes the Raymond Theatre is nearing completion on North Raymond Avenue. The front façade of the theatre is being restored as part of the project, and Pasadena Heritage continues to review construction on the original building. |
| |
| Rose Bowl |
|
| The Rose Bowl Strategic Plan is now envisioned to utilize and celebrate the history and architectural features of the National Historic Landmark stadium. Pasadena Heritage and surrounding neighborhoods endorse the concept, and the City Council has approved further develop of the plan which will be reviewed by the council in June. |
| |
| St. Lukes Hospital |
| The St. Lukes property (2632 E. Washington), including the main hospital building, chapel and convent, which are Pasadena landmarks, nominated by Pasadena Heritage remains in limbo The property is rumored to be for sale. Proper treatment of the landmark buildings and sensitivity to nearby neighborhoods are critical issues for any future developers. |
| |
| Stuart Pharmaceutical Company |
| The 1958 Stuart Company building at 3300 East Foothill Boulevard saw major restoration as part of a new residential complex. The western portion of the original building will become a theater for “A Noise Within” as part of the second phase of development. Pasadena Heritage continues to monitor plans. |
| |
| Washington Theater |
|
The Washington Theater, designed in 1924, was one of the first major construction
projects in the northern part of Pasadena, and is an early example of a mixed-use
development, consisting of a theater, retail shops, and apartments. Over the last two
decades the building has suffered from neglect and been unoccupied for nearly ten
years. Pasadena Heritage submitted a landmark nomination for the building which was approved on April 12, 2010. The building will now be eligible for preservation-related incentives for a rehabilitation project. |
| |
| Last updated 5/10/2010 |
