LOWER ARROYO SECO & SAN RAFAEL
In 1940s, the housing shortage in Pasadena led to the development of the San Rafael area and new residences were built that reflected the upper middle class and very wealthy families.
What is a surprise to many is that this residential area used to house the elaborate Busch Gardens which closed its doors in 1937.
This area is quite diverse and is known for its famed "Millionaire Row" condo complexes on Orange Grove, stately estates on Grand Avenue and very rustic and quaint hills of San Rafael.
READ MORE: Everything you wanted to know about Pasadena Neighborhoods
Colorado Street Bridge (1912-1913)
This is one of the most graceful and beautiful bridges in the area. This curving bridge is made out of reinforced concrete. It was restored in the 1990s and spans nearly 1,500 feet. It connects Old Pasadena to the San Rafael Hills and Eagle Rock.
Vista del Arroyo Hotel (1920)
125 S. Grand Avenue.
The federal government acquired this Sylvanus Marston designed resort hotel to use as a military hospital. It is now used as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
La Casita del Arroyo (1933)
177 S Arroyo Blvd.
Designed by Myron Hunt at no charge, this structure was built using Arroyo stone and lumber from bicycle tracks built at the Rose Bowl for the 1932 Olympics.
Batchelder House (1909)
626 S Arroyo Blvd.
Ernest Batchelder is a famed artisan known around Pasadena for his beautiful decorative tiles around the fireplaces. These tiles became emblematic of the Arts & Crafts movement. Batchelder's kiln remains in the backyard of this lovely home, and the discerning viewer can see examples of his tile work from the street.
Wrigley Mansion (1911)
391 S Orange Grove Avenue
This ornate mansion built for the chewing-gum mogul William Wringley, who controlled the development of Catalina island. It is now home to Pasadena's Tournament of Roses.
Church of the Angels (1889)
1100 Avenue 64
This church was commissioned by the widow of Alexander Campbell-Johnston, the developer of Rancho San Rafael, and designed by the British architect Arthur Edmund Street to memorialize her husband.
Pergola House (1910)
1025 S. Arroyo Blvd.
Remnants of Busch Gardens are incorporated into a home built considerably later.
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