I was just reading Petrea Burchard's post about a Pasadena bungalow that she photographed and was reflecting on the fascination that many of us have over these beautiful bungalows that make Pasadena so special.

What draws us to these homes?  Is it because they were so affordable and yet so beautiful?  Most of the homes in the Bungalow Heaven historic landmark district literally came out of the box.  In the early 1900s, you could buy a bungalow kit from Sears Roebuck if you lived on the East coast or on the West coast from The Ready Cut Bungalow Company.  These bungalow kit homes were priced from as little as $650.  Of course, the owners needed to throw in an extra $150 towards plumbing fixtures and a lot of sweat labor.

Or, is it because a lot of these Pasadena bungalows, also known as, California Bungalows, were built in the early 1900 when the Pasadena population was growing at an enormously fast rate?  Pasadena's Bungalow Heaven saw its population quadruple to 45,000 in 1920 from 10,000 in 1900.

I think that our love for the Pasadena bungalow is simply due to the simplicity and beauty of the bungalows design - kit or no kit.

So what is a Bungalow kit home?

Rosemary Thornton, co-author of the book about kit houses answers:

 

"Kit homes were sold via mail order catalogs and shipped to the wanna-be homeowner in about 10,000 pieces. These complex do-it-yourself kits came with a 75-page instruction book that told you how all those pieces went together. Kit home companies promised that a man "of average abilities" could build his own kit home in about 30-90 days."

 

Can you imagine ordering your home on-line and then having to go through a 75-page manual and 10,000 separate pieces to put it together?  To me, that is a monumental achievement! 

So maybe, it's not only the charm of these Pasadena bungalows that have us enthralled, but the love and strength that it took to build them, to achieve that ultimate dream - a dream of homeownership, that keeps us in awe.

PS The photo above is a home on Holliston Avenue in Historic Highlands.  It is not a kit box house.  I just think it is one of the more beautiful craftsman homes in Pasadena.  I've taken the liberty to post it here.  I will be posting photos of California Bungalow homes in this post later. 

Interested in buying a Pasadena home?  Take a look at the list of available homes below:

 

See Pasadena property details at Pasadena homes for sale.

See all Pasadena foreclosures - real estate owned homes for sale.

http://www.pasadenacarealestatehomes.com/0076BC

Many people are flocking to Pasadena California because of its beautiful character homes and historic neighborhoods.  Pasadena is a very walkable city and offers museums, top restaurants and bars, hiking trails.  It is close to the mountains and less than an hour away from the beaches and skiing.

If you are trying to decide which area to buy your Pasadena home in, this article will helpfully point you in the right direction.

When home buyers think of buying in Pasadena, many divide the city into five quadrants:  South of the 210 freeway - divided into South East and South West Pasadena and North of the 210 freeway with the dividing line in most buyers' minds serves as being West or East of Lake Avenue.  The fifth quadrant is the San Rafael and the Pasadena Rose Bowl area.

The neighborhoods North of 210 fwy in Pasadena include:

West of Lake

Branbury Oaks

Branbury Oaks is bordered by Washington Boulevard to the north, Mountain Street to the south, Fair Oaks Avenue to the East, and Forest Avenue to the west. The neighborhood is bisected by Interstate 210. The main roads through the neighborhood are Hammond Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Banbury Oaks is served by Metro Rapid line 762 and Metro Local lines 177, 260, 267, and 268, as well as Pasadena ARTS routes 31, 32, 51, and 52.

 

Garfield Heights

Garfield Heights is the original tract name registered with the city of Pasadena in 1904. In 1998, the area experienced a revitalization after it was designated the city's second landmark district. The Garfield Heights Landmark District boasts one of the city's oldest intact neighborhoods with beautiful historic homes built mainly during the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Garfield Heights is bordered by Washington Boulevard to the north, Mountain Street to the south, N. Marengo Ave. to the west, and Los Robles Avenue to the east. It has been featured in many publications including LA Magazines "10 Best Neighborhoods" and the Los Angeles Times. It is located less than 1 mile from Pasadena's shopping district in Old Pasadena and the famous Pasadena Rose Bowl. The neighborhood also lies below the majestic San Gabriel mountain range and is minutes away from hiking trails.

The neighborhood is served by Metro Rapid line 762, as well as Metro Local lines 260, 268 and 687; and Pasadena ARTS routes 20, 31, and 32.

Normandie Heights

Normandie Heights is a neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is bordered by Woodbury Road to the north, Washington Boulevard to the south, Los Robles Avenue to the west, and Lake Avenue to the east.

Orange Heights-Barnhart

Orange Heights neighborhood is bounded to the West by Los Robles Avenue, to the East by El Molino Avenue, to the North by Jackson Street, and to the South by Mountain Boulevard.

Orange Heights is served by Metro Local routes 268 and 687, as well as Pasadena ARTS routes 31 and 32.

Read More:  Pasadena's Orange Heights

 

Prospect Park (although it's actually West of 210)

Prospect Park is a residential neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is bordered by Westgate Street to the north, Orange Grove Boulevard to the south, Rosemont Avenue to the west, and Lincoln Avenue to the east.

Washington Square

Washington Square is a neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is bordered by Washington Boulevard to the north, Mountain Street to the south, El Molino Avenue to the west, and Lake Avenue to the west. It is notable for having been renamed several times, having been known as part of Orange Heights until the 1950s, then Clement Heights until the 1980s when it was shortened to CLEM, then Heather Heights until the late 1990s when it was given its current name. The neighborhood was built up gradually until the 1940s, when the last housing tract was built around Heather Square.

Washington Square is notable for having one of Pasadena's oldest parks, Washington Park, which was reclaimed from a municipal dump in 1922. Woodbury Creek also runs through the neighborhood, though most of the creek now runs underground. The neighborhood is also home to two of Pasadena's oldest standing houses, which date from the early 1890s, and the one-time home of author Upton Sinclair .  It is believed that the house belonged to him during his run for Governor of California.

Washington Square is served by Metro Local lines 180, 268, and 485; as well as Pasadena ARTS route 20. The two major streets are Lake Avenue and Washington Blvd.

 

EAST OF LAKE

Bungalow Heaven

Bungalow Heaven is a landmark district in Pasadena, California. It is bordered by Washington Boulevard to the north, Orange Grove Boulevard to the south, Hill Avenue to the east, and Lake Avenue to the west.

All of the commercial development in the neighborhood is on Lake Avenue and (to a small extent) Washington Boulevard. At the center of the neighborhood is McDonald Park. Bungalow Heaven is so called because of the hundreds of small craftsman homes built there in the 1920s, most of which still stand.

 

Historic Highlands

Historic Highlands is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods known for it's tall trees and grand craftsman homes.  There are over 700 renovated and restored craftsman and bungalow homes in this landmark district.  It sits just north of Bungalow Heaven and has an annual architectural tour.

 

SOUTH WEST

Madison Heights

Madison Heights is a neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is bordered by Del Mar Boulevard to the north, Alpine Street to the south, Los Robles Avenue to the west, and Hudson Avenue to the east.

Madison Heights is served by Metro Local lines 177 and 267, as well as Pasadena ARTS route 20.

 

Old Pasadena

The Old Pasadena Historic District  or as it is locally known, Old Town Pasadena, has been a shining example of the revitalization of a run-down city center.  It is one of three major shopping areas in Pasadena. The other two shopping centers in Pasadena can be found on South Lake Avenue and Foothill in North East Pasadena.

Photos from the 1800s show Fair Oaks and Colorado Street as the primary crossroads for the new city. But by two decades ago it was home to a great antiques store (Jay's), a bar or two that opened at 6 a.m. and many seemingly vacant storefronts. After 5 p.m. not a person was in sight. They might as well have rolled up the sidewalks.

 

Today Old Town is a dynamic shopping center at the heart of Pasadena. Jay's Antiques, alas, has moved away to be replaced with mall-favorites such as J. Crew and Crate & Barrel, along with other chain stores along Colorado. After dark the sidewalk traffic really picks up as people head for the dozens restaurants and clubs.

 

What locals know and visitors often do not is that the side streets off Colorado are where to find the more interesting shops and great dining. These smaller businesses are stocked with unusual items, and, in the case of restaurants, the owners have developed their own unique menus.

 

You will find more unique stores along Green St. which runs parallel to, and one block south of, Colorado.

 

 

 

One notable exception to the "go to the side streets" guideline is 21 Choices, a yogurt shop on Colorado that is like taking a time-trip to the 1970s. Put on your old Birkenstocks and stop by for a yummy dish of tart or sweet stuff.

 

Old Town is also on eof the few places in Pasadena where pedestrians can criss cross the road and cars come to an all streets stop.

 

 

 

 

As Old Town became revitalized, developers and builders saw an opportunity and began building apartments and condos within two or three blocks of Colorado Blvd. But condos and cottages are topics for another page on this website.

 

One of the more famous buildings in Old Town Pasadena is Castle Green.

If you walk down Raymond from Colorado Blvd. you will see an enormous, ornate building -- the Castle Green.

Once upon a time it was the smaller west wing annex (Yes, smaller!) of the Hotel Green, a luxury resort. The larger east wing is now gone but half the walkway between the two buildings remains.

Castle Green was designed by Frederick Roehrig and opened in 1899. It now contains about 50 apartments. In November and April there are tours of the building.

READ MORE:  Pasadena's Castle Green

 

 

 

Pasadena Civic Center

Pasadena Playhouse

The Playhouse District is a neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is Pasadena's premier entertainment and financial district; the headquarters of IndyMac Bank and Community Bank are located there, and Countrywide Financial keeps an office there.

The Playhouse District is bordered by Walnut Street to the north, Del Mar Boulevard to the south, Los Robles Avenue to the west, and Hudson Avenue to the east, with a panhandle-like extension to Wilson Avenue. The district is also notable for its manhattanization, the legacy of extensive urbanization from the 1960s to the 1980s.

At the Playhouse District's center is the world-famous Pasadena Playhouse, as well as Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena's oldest operating bookstore. Several shopping plazas surround the area. Pasadena Presbyterian Church, former home of KPPC-FM is also in this district. At the neighborhood's east end is the Ice House comedy club. Fuller Theological Seminary is located at the western end.

Good things come in pairs in the Playhouse District. There are two live theaters (The Pasadena Playhouse and Boston Court) as well as two movie theaters (The Academy and Laemmle's Playhouse which show art and independent films) and two bookstores (Vroman's and Cliffs).

Live theater has been presented at the Pasadena Playhouse on El Molino just off Colorado since 1917. An acting academy is also part of the Playhouse and among its alumni are Dustin Hoffman, Mare Winningham, and Gene Hackman.

The Metro Gold Line operates a station on Lake Avenue, just north of the neighborhood. The Playhouse District is served by Metro Rapid line 780; as well as Metro Local lines 177, 180, 181, 485, 686, and 687. It is also served by Pasadena ARTS routes 10 and 20, and Foothill Transit route 187.

 

South Lake District

South Lake is a neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It is Pasadena's premier shopping district and home to the California Institute of Technology. South Lake is bordered by Colorado Boulevard to the north, the Pasadena-San Marino border to the south, Hudson Avenue to the west, and Hill Avenue to the east.

The shops on the east side of South Lake Avenue are notable for being accessible from the street and from Shoppers' lane, a half-mile long alleyway that runs alongside Lake Avenue. Also located on Lake Avenue is a large Macy's department store built in early 1960s modern architecture and that has just been remodelled in 2009. At the center of the neighborhood is Caltech, Grant Park, and Tournament Park.

South Lake is served by Metro Local lines 177, 256, 267, and 485. It is also served by Pasadena ARTS routes 10 and 20.

Due to the location of Caltech, South Lake has been home to many in the scientific community. Some of the most notable residents were:

• Albert Einstein, physicist
• Robert A. Millikan, physicist
• Jack Parsons, rocket scientist
• Amos G. Throop, Caltech founder, former Mayor of Pasadena.
• Fritz Zwicky, astronomer

READ MORE:  Urban living at its best in the South Lake District of Pasadena

Other Pasadena Neighborhoods

Lower Arroyo Seco

Located South of the 134 Freeway and on the western end of Pasadena.  This neighborhood is a part of San Rafael and is situated right next to the Arroyo Seco.

The Arroyo Seco is a major tributary of the Los Angeles River, flowing out of the San Gabriel Mountains in the northwest corner of the City. Within the City, the Arroyo Seco passes through three distinct geographical areas:

Hahamongna Watershed Park (the upper Arroyo), the Central Arroyo and the Lower Arroyo.

The Lower Arroyo Seco is a unique environmental, recreational, and cultural resource of the City of Pasadena. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods, the Lower Arroyo stretches approximately 1.75-miles from the Colorado Street Bridge to the South Pasadena city limit at San Pascual Stables.

As early as 1887, the citizens of Pasadena recognized that the land surrounding the Arroyo Seco should become a park for the enjoyment and benefit of the public. Between 1911 and 1927, the City of Pasadena accumulated the land for what is now the Central and Lower Arroyo. In 1918 the Arroyo Park Committee, headed by architect Myron Hunt, suggested that a comprehensive plan be developed by noted landscape architect Emile Mische. The plan recommended that the Lower Arroyo be reserved for trails and bridle paths and planted only with native plants. In 1977, the City declared the Lower Arroyo to be a City Cultural Landmark.

RECREATION
The Lower Arroyo Seco is a natural preservation area whose use is defined and regulated by the City's Arroyo Seco Public Lands Ordinance. Uses in the Lower Arroyo include low intensity recreational activities within defined areas, including hiking, horseback riding, archery, fly-casting, picnicking and jogging.

Walking, Hiking, Jogging
The multiple trails in the Lower Arroyo are popular with walkers, hikers and joggers, and are accessible from eleven public access points in the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Dog walking is allowed; however, dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after
their animals.

Equestrian Uses

Equestrians can enter the Lower Arroyo from the south entrance at the private San Pascual Stables or from the Hahamongna Watershed Park area to the north. Public horse rentals are not currently available in the Lower Arroyo Seco. Equestrians currently use Lower Arroyo Trails on both sides of the flood control channel.

Casting Pond
The Pasadena Casting Club leases land in the Lower Arroyo Seco and has been in its present location for more than fifty years. The Club teaches the principles of fly fishing while also providing public programs, oversight of facilities, and shared maintenance of the grounds. The Club's Clubhouse by the Casting Pond is open to the public on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Membership information is available at www.pasadenacastingclub.org

Archery Range
Established in 1935, the Pasadena Roving Archers Club is a long-time City special authorized use in the Lower Arroyo. The Club's archery range consists of twenty-three hay bale targets, and is used for both organized events and informal practice. Free archery lessons are offered to the public on Saturdays  between 8:30 am and 11:00 am. Call (626)447-7600 for membership and group class information.

The Lower Arroyo Seco supports primarily native and naturalized plant species which form three main plant communities. These communities serve as habitat for a variety of bird, reptile, insect, and small mammal species. Many of these animals are frequently observed by visitors to the Lower Arroyo.

Trails
The main trail through the Lower Arroyo Seco runs along the east and west sides of the storm channel. Known as the Arroyo Seco/Gabrielino Trail, it continues along the Arroyo to the north and south. The neighborhood trail running along Arroyo Boulevard on the east side of the Arroyo provides multiple access points for reaching the Arroyo Seco/Gabrielino Trail. Additional smaller trails pass through the widest parts of the Arroyo, allowing users to experience the variety of habitat present in the Arroyo.

In addition to these trails, a Class III bike route loosely follows the rim of the Lower Arroyo and connects with bike routes to the north and south. Bikes are not allowed within the Lower Arroyo Natural Preserve area.

Landmarks
The Lower Arroyo Seco contains a number of natural and built features that add interest to a journey along its trails. At the northern end of the Lower Arroyo Seco, the Colorado Street bridge passes far above the storm channel. Built in 1913, the bridge's distinctive Beaux Arts arches connect Pasadena to Eagle Rock.

South of the Colorado Street bridge are several low-flow streams. These streams were constructed in 1997 as part of a restoration effort in the Lower Arroyo, and mimic what the area resembled prior to construction of the flood control channel. Willows and other riparian vegetation flourishing along the streams provide habitat for several native species.

La Casita del Arroyo perches above the Arroyo Seco/Gabrielino Trail, and is known for its gardens and distinctive architecture. La Casita is used for a variety of public and private functions, and can be reserved by calling (626)744-7195.

In the center of the Lower Arroyo is the Memorial Grove. Planted with a variety of native tree species, the Memorial Grove commemorates community members who have passed on.

Toward the southern end of the Lower Arroyo, the Camel's Hump rises from the Arroyo Floor. Once a spur ridge deflecting the Arroyo Seco's natural flow pattern, the "hump" was split in two during the construction of the Arroyo Seco storm channel.

The Lower Arroyo Seco is open from dawn to dusk.

 

INTERESTED IN LOOKING FOR PASADENA HOMES FOR SALE:

New construction in Pasadena - condos built in 2008 or later!

All Pasadena Homes for Sale

All Pasadena Condos for Sale

 

 

For additional information about Pasadena, California, please contact Irina at irian@PasadenaViews.com.

http://www.pasadenacarealestatehomes.com/009664

Relocating to Pasadena California?

If you are thinking of moving or relocating to Pasadena, California, you are looking for a lot of information.  You came to the right place.  Welcome! 

Here, you will find neighborhood resources, a restaurant guide, local museums and market data information for Pasadena real estate. 

Pasadena California is best known for its annual rose parade, but it's reputation for beautiful tree-lined streets and historical turn-of-the century homes makes it a beautiful city to visit and a wonderful place to live.

Pasadena California also features many museums and historical sites like Norton Simon Museum, The Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art and is minutes from the Huntington Library.   

The Gamble House built in 1908 showcases the best of American Arts and Crafts era.

Old Town Pasadena and South Lake Avenue District offer tremendous shopping opportunities and outstanding restaurants for a variety of tastes.  And, the Playhouse District keeps us entertained.

Pasadena California is conveniently located only 9 miles North of Downtown Los Angeles and is nestled at the base of the majestic San Gabriel mountains.

LOCAL PASADENA AREA NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION

 

• History of Pasadena California
• Pasadena CA Historic Homes & Districts
• Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Website
• Old Town Pasadena
• South Lake Avenue District of Pasadena
• Rose Parade

• Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau

PASADENA NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY AND HISTORICAL HOMES

• Oak Knoll Neighborhood
• Madison Heights Neighborhood
• Orange Heights Neighborhood
• Old Town Pasadena Historic District Neighborhood
• San Rafael and Lower Arroyo Neighborhood
• Historic Highlands Neighborhood
• Bungallow Heaven Neighborhood
• Prospect Park

 

PASADENA HOMES AND CONDOS FOR SALE

(Direct feeds from the IMRMLS) 

Search over 16,000 homes - the entire Pasadena California Multiple Listing Service

• Pasadena Homes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,200,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,200,000 to $1,400,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,400,000 to $1,600,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,600,000 to $1,800,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,800,000 to $2,000,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $2,000,000 to $2,500,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale $2,500,000 to $3,000,000
• Pasadena Homes for Sale over $3,000,000

  PASADENA CONDOS and TOWNHOMES:

• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale under $300,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townomes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,200,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $1,200,000 to $1,400,000
• Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale over $1,400,000

 PASADENA LAND FOR SALE:

• Pasadena California Land for Sale

PASADENA CALIFORNIA INCOME PROPERTY FOR SALE

•  Pasadena California Income Property For Sale

 

California Department of Justice

• Megans Law
• Sex Offender Registration ¦
• Megans Law
• Facts about Sex Offenders

• How to Keep Your Family Safe

SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES

• Pasadena Public Library
• Pasadena Unified School District
• Pasadena City College
• California School of Culinary Arts

• Pasadena Private Schools Reports

• Complete Guide to Pasadena Public Schools

PASADENA BUILDING AND HOUSING

Building Inspection	626-744-4200
Building Permits	626-744-4200
Building Plan Check	626-744-6901

Occupancy Inspection (commercial)	626-744-4200
Occupancy Inspection (residential)	626-744-4633

Read Also:  Moving into Pasadena?  What are Occupancy Requirements?

UTILITIES 

Water and Power
Customer Service	626-744-4005
AnswerLine	626-744-6970
Bill Payment, Connections, Meter Reading	626-744-4005
Downed Power Lines, Power Outages	626-744-4673
Broken Water Mains, Hydrants	626-744-4138
Utility Planning	626-744-4495

Champion Broadband	86...
Charter Communications	888...

Gas Company

800-427-2200

Trash/ Garbage Bill Payment

626-744-4005

LICENSES

• Business Licenses - on-line service available      (626) 744-4166     
• Drivers License -      (626) 796-1228     
• Marriage License -      (626) 575-5491     
• Animal Licensing - on-line service      (626) 744-4166     

• Animal Rescue/Control -  Pasadena Humane Society      (626) 792-7151      

TOP PASADENA HOTELS

• Sheraton Pasadena Hotel      (626)449-4000     
• Pasadena Hilton      (626) 577-1000     
• The Westin Pasadena      (866) 716-8132     
• Courtyard-La Old Pasadena      (626) 403-7600     

• Quality Inn      (626) 796-9211     

TOP PASADENA RESTAURANTS

• Porto Alegre - if you haven't tried a Brazilian churrascaria (steak house), this is a place to take your first taste.  It's an all you can eat fiesta of meets and other goodies.  Come hungry! 260 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadean in Paseo Colorado on the 2nd floor.  (626)744-0555.
• P.F.Chang's - also in Paseo Colorado across the way from Porto Alegre.  A great place for family style, high end Chinese food.  Try the walnut shrimp with melon and the wonton soup - yummy!      (626) 356-9760     
• Yard House Restaurant - located in Paseo Colorado next to PF Chang's.  They claim to have the largest selection of draft beer in the world! Great food, easy atmosphere, a large bar and TV screens to follow your favorite LA team.330 E Colorado Blvd,Pasadena:      (626) 577-9273     

• Island's - We're all kids at heart, right?  My kids favorite, anyways.  Great tortilla soup and hamburgers can't be beat!  Paseo Colorado 330 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena -      (626) 304-9050     

• Central Park Restaurant - just a few blocks away from Old Town Pasadena, Central Park is a popular hang out for locals especially for breakfast.  219 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena:      (626)449-4499    

• Vertical Wine Bistro - located in Old Town Pasadena at 70 N. Raymond Avenue.  Open for lunch and dinner and offers Wine Tasting Thrusdays on the first Thursday of the month.  For reservations, call    (626)795-3999   . 

 

 

PASADENA GOLF COURSES

• Brookside Men's Golf Club - Pasadena, California
• Arroyo Seco Golf Course - by South Pasadena
• Altadena Golf Course - just a bit North of Pasadena
• San Gabriel Golf Course - San Gabriel, CA (where Bob Hope is rumoured to have played)

• Whittier Narrows Golf Course - Rosemead (close enough to Pasadena to check out)

TRANSPORTATION IN AND AROUND PASADENA CA

• Dial-A-Ride
• Pasadena ARTS Bus routes
• Gold Line
• LA Dot - Dash Line and Commuter Express information and schedule

 

THINGS TO DO AROUND PASADENA

Pasadena Museums:

• Kidspace Children's Museum -      (626) 449-9144     
• The Pasadena Museum of California Art      (626) 568-3655     
• Pacific Asia Museum -      (626) 449-2742     
• Norton Simon Museum -      (626) 449-6840     
• Pasadena Museum of History -(626) 577-1660

• The Bunny Museum -      (626) 798-8848    

•  

•  

Area Museums and Botanical Gardens:

• Huntington Library - San Marino

• Descanso Gardens - La Canada

Other Activities:

• Gamble House -      (626) 793-3334      Offers a great example of American Arts & Crafts style architecture.
• Rose Bowl - Great place for walking and meeting other Pasadenians.

  The stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football, Fourth of July celebrations, concerts, religious services, filmings and the World's Largest Flea Market (R.G. Canning).

  A National Historic Landmark built in 1922 and known mainly for the New Year's Tournament of Roses Football Game, the Rose Bowl Stadium has also earned its World-Class Reputation by hosting five NFL Super Bowl Games, the 1984 Olympic Soccer Matches, the 1994 Men's World Cup, the 1999 Women's World Cup, the 2002 and 2006 BCS National College Football Championship Games and numerous other memorable events over the past eighty plus years.

 

PASADENA RELOCATION SPECIALIST

• Irina Netchaev - Real Estate Broker

• Pasadena California Real Estate

 

http://www.pasadenacarealestatehomes.com/0076B0

HISTORIC HIGHLANDS

 

In late 2007, city of Pasadena has unanimously approved Historic Highlands as a Landmark Distirct.  It's about time since this area has some of the most beautiful craftsman homes in Pasadena.

Historic Highlands Neighborhood website has this to share about the Historic Highlands history:

What is known today as the Historic Highlands encompasses the estates and land
holdings of two prominent Pasadena pioneers:  David MacPherson, former Santa Fe
Railroad design engineer of the famed Mt. Lowe railroad; Ezra Dane, an orchardist
who settled here in 1883.

Ezra Dane crossed the plains from Massachusetts sometime between 1849 and 1852
and settled in Sonora County in Northern California where he became a prosperous
farmer.  Driven from the area by an out break of malaria in the early 1880's, he
moved his family to Pasadena in 1883 where he purchased 160 acres in the San
Pasqual Rancho area, known as "the place where every tree is pleasant to the sight
and good for food" and began planting orchards.

In 1885, Dane and his wife Lois built their substantial ranch home from the first
lumber brought to Pasadena by steam locomotive.  From the house known for many
years as "Sunnyridge on the Highlands", Dane oversaw orchard and livestock
operations on his land, which stretched north from Washington to Woodbury Road
and east from Holliston to a point midway between modern day Mar Vista and
Catalina.  He grew peaches, apricots, prunes and citrus, and raised some livestock -
including about a hundred hogs - on Elizabeth Street.  A driveway from Washington
to his home was lined with a double row of palm trees still visible in the backyards of
homes between Michigan and Chester.

As Pasadena grew north and east, homes were being built all around the ranch so the
Danes began selling their land a parcel at a time. In 1912, they subdivided the land
immediately adjacent to the ranch house, creating building lots on Holliston, Chester,
Michigan, Mar Vista, Denver (now Howard) and Rio Grande.  The lots were sold to
members of Pasadena's prosperous business and professional class who had substantial
homes custom built on the large lots during the ensuing decades.  Ezra and Lois Dane
lived in the home until their deaths in the early 1920's.  Their daughter Alice and later
her grandson and his family lived in the home.

MacPherson owned much of the land bordered by New York Drive on the north and
Washington Blvd. on the south, in what is now the western part of the neighborhood.
 The east/west streets were given names of the railroads: Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe
(now Elizabeth), Denver (now Howard), and Rio Grand. The names Catalina and
MarVista acknowledge the great view of the ocean at that time.  MacPherson built a
home at 1075 Topeka in 1906 and was living at 1120 Atchison at the time of his death.
 
MacPherson teamed with famous entrepreneur Thaddeus Lowe to design and build
the Echo Mountain Incline Railway which made its first official trip on July 4th, 1893.  
Four million visitors enjoyed the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air for more
than 40 years until the railway stopped operating in 1937.

READ MORE:  Everything You Wanted to Know about Pasadena Neighborhoods

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES:

An example of a craftsman in Historic Highlands at 1506 Holliston above.

The earliest architectural style represented in Pasadena is Victorian, but Pasadena is
mostly associated with the Craftsman style.  Many significant local architects
introduced Period and Revival style homes which were well received by
cosmopolitan residents.  The Prairie style might be attributed to emigrants from the
Midwest.  Indeed, the Prairie style home is quite at home next to the California
Bungalow.  Both share honest craftsmanship and find inspiration in the simplicity and
beauty of nature.  True to the craftsman ethic of using locally found materials, locally
grown oak and Douglas fir are used throughout the homes in Historic Highlands, as
well as art tile from Southern California's artisan community.  River rock has
commonly been used for foundations and chimneys, and likely came from the Arroyo
Seco.  Craftsman and Prairie homes were reactions to the industrialization and heavy,
non-functional ornamentation of Victorians.     

The architectural details in the homes of Historic Highlands find inspiration from all
over the world.  Influential local architects Greene & Greene were inspired by the
Japonaiserie movement when they visited the World's Columbian Exhibition in
Chicago in 1893.  In the 1920's, American architecture was influenced by both
European and early American architecture.  Not necessarily faithful reproductions,
Period revival homes liberally borrowed attractive or romanticized elements.  The
European flair of Period revival homes suggested the culture and prestige of its
residents.  Furthermore, in Southern California, Period revival movements represent a
reaction against the dark organic interiors of the Craftsman style in favor of brightly
lit and open rooms.  Colonial revival reflects national pride and became popular
following the country's 1876 Centennial.  Similarly, the Mission revival style
recognizes early California's cultural heritage and was popularized following the
Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915.

Today Historic Highlands is a combination of many different architectural styles and
cultures.

The Historic Highlands Neighborhood straddles the borders of Pasadena and Altadena, situated
between New York Blvd. on the North, Washington Blvd. on the South, Lake Ave. on the West, and Hill Ave. on the East.

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Pasadena, of course, is well known as the city of Roses, the annual Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl.  What many people don't realize is that Pasadena California could easily be called an Arts & Crafts Capital of the United States. 

In this post, I wanted to break down Pasadena by its lovely neighborhoods and to give you an idea of the architectural styles and highlights in each.

BUNGALOW HEAVEN                                              

Bungalow Heaven is Pasadena's first Landmark District.  It has many different architectural styles, but locals mainly know it due to its abundance of  California Bungalows that were built between 1900 to 1930s.

Many of the bungalows here were built from kits - often at a cost of $1,000 - and delivered to Californians eager to build the low-slung, often single-story homes with the deep verandas and overhanging eaves that protect them form California's powerful sunshine. 

There are so many beautiful bungalows here that it's impossible to point out just one or two.  Take a walk through the neighborhood and explore it yourself.

Bungalow Heaven is located between Washington Blvd (north) and Orange Grove (South) , Lake Avenue (West) and Hill (East)

GARFIELD HEIGHTS                                               

Garfield Heights is Pasadena's second official Landmark District.  It's an eclectic area of Craftsman bungalows to historic two and four unit apartments.  Most of these homes were built from the late 19^th century to the 1920s.  Note the distinctive architectural features like pillars, retaining walls, foundations - made of river rock.

Bates House (1920)

1290 North Marengo Avenue

This U-shaped house was designed by Glen Elwood Smith, one of Pasadena's highly regarded residential architects of his era.

The Gerlach House (1913)

985 North Los Robles Avenue

A beautifully sited Sylvanus Marston design.  Note the deep shade provided by the graciously proportioned veranda.

The Gilmore House (1891)

1247 North Garfield Avenue

A Neoclassical house by Roehrig and Locke.  Frederick Roehrig was also the architect of Castle Green.

HISTORIC HIGHLANDS                                           

In late 2007, city of Pasadena has unanimously approved Historic Highlands as a Landmark Distirct.  It's about time since this area has some of the most beautiful craftsman homes in Pasadena.

Historic Highlands Neighborhood website has this to share about the Historic Highlands history:

What is known today as the Historic Highlands encompasses the estates and land
holdings of two prominent Pasadena pioneers:  David MacPherson, former Santa Fe
Railroad design engineer of the famed Mt. Lowe railroad; Ezra Dane, an orchardist
who settled here in 1883.

Ezra Dane crossed the plains from Massachusetts sometime between 1849 and 1852
and settled in Sonora County in Northern California where he became a prosperous
farmer.  Driven from the area by an out break of malaria in the early 1880's, he
moved his family to Pasadena in 1883 where he purchased 160 acres in the San
Pasqual Rancho area, known as "the place where every tree is pleasant to the sight
and good for food" and began planting orchards.

In 1885, Dane and his wife Lois built their substantial ranch home from the first
lumber brought to Pasadena by steam locomotive.  From the house known for many
years as "Sunnyridge on the Highlands", Dane oversaw orchard and livestock
operations on his land, which stretched north from Washington to Woodbury Road
and east from Holliston to a point midway between modern day Mar Vista and
Catalina.  He grew peaches, apricots, prunes and citrus, and raised some livestock -
including about a hundred hogs - on Elizabeth Street.  A driveway from Washington
to his home was lined with a double row of palm trees still visible in the backyards of
homes between Michigan and Chester.

As Pasadena grew north and east, homes were being built all around the ranch so the
Danes began selling their land a parcel at a time. In 1912, they subdivided the land
immediately adjacent to the ranch house, creating building lots on Holliston, Chester,
Michigan, Mar Vista, Denver (now Howard) and Rio Grande.  The lots were sold to
members of Pasadena's prosperous business and professional class who had substantial
homes custom built on the large lots during the ensuing decades.  Ezra and Lois Dane
lived in the home until their deaths in the early 1920's.  Their daughter Alice and later
her grandson and his family lived in the home.

MacPherson owned much of the land bordered by New York Drive on the north and
Washington Blvd. on the south, in what is now the western part of the neighborhood.
 The east/west streets were given names of the railroads: Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe
(now Elizabeth), Denver (now Howard), and Rio Grand. The names Catalina and
MarVista acknowledge the great view of the ocean at that time.  MacPherson built a
home at 1075 Topeka in 1906 and was living at 1120 Atchison at the time of his death.
 
MacPherson teamed with famous entrepreneur Thaddeus Lowe to design and build
the Echo Mountain Incline Railway which made its first official trip on July 4th, 1893.  
Four million visitors enjoyed the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air for more
than 40 years until the railway stopped operating in 1937.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES:

The earliest architectural style represented in Pasadena is Victorian, but Pasadena is
mostly associated with the Craftsman style.  Many significant local architects
introduced Period and Revival style homes which were well received by
cosmopolitan residents.  The Prairie style might be attributed to emigrants from the
Midwest.  Indeed, the Prairie style home is quite at home next to the California
Bungalow.  Both share honest craftsmanship and find inspiration in the simplicity and
beauty of nature.  True to the craftsman ethic of using locally found materials, locally
grown oak and Douglas fir are used throughout the homes in Historic Highlands, as
well as art tile from Southern California's artisan community.  River rock has
commonly been used for foundations and chimneys, and likely came from the Arroyo
Seco.  Craftsman and Prairie homes were reactions to the industrialization and heavy,
non-functional ornamentation of Victorians.     

The architectural details in the homes of Historic Highlands find inspiration from all
over the world.  Influential local architects Greene & Greene were inspired by the
Japonaiserie movement when they visited the World's Columbian Exhibition in
Chicago in 1893.  In the 1920's, American architecture was influenced by both
European and early American architecture.  Not necessarily faithful reproductions,
Period revival homes liberally borrowed attractive or romanticized elements.  The
European flair of Period revival homes suggested the culture and prestige of its
residents.  Furthermore, in Southern California, Period revival movements represent a
reaction against the dark organic interiors of the Craftsman style in favor of brightly
lit and open rooms.  Colonial revival reflects national pride and became popular
following the country's 1876 Centennial.  Similarly, the Mission revival style
recognizes early California's cultural heritage and was popularized following the
Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915.

Today Historic Highlands is a combination of many different architectural styles and
cultures.

The Historic Highlands Neighborhood straddles the borders of Pasadena and Altadena, situated
between New York Blvd. on the North, Washington Blvd. on the South, Lake Ave. on the West, and Hill Ave. on the East.

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.

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.

MADISON HEIGHTS                                                

A great neighborhood right next to the South Lake Avenue District.  It has a strong neighborhood association and has an annual 4th of July parade and other family oriented activities.

The neighborhood was laid out in the 19th century, and the oldest house still standing dates from 1890.  Some of the origins of our street names go back to this era.  The most prominent is El Molino Avenue, named for Col. E. J. C. Kewen's El Molino Ranch with its "old mill of the padres."

Euclid Avenue was opened in 1885 by C. M. Skellen who took the name from Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.  Glenarm Street was named by Thomas Banbury after his wife's hometown in Canada.  Los Robles Avenue was named after Governor George Stoneman's ranch which was at the southern extremity of the road.  Oakland Avenue originally did not extend south of California.  It was named after the City of Oakland and the street was also lined with oak trees.  The section of the street in Madison Heights was originally called Eastern Avenue.

The original "Madison Avenue Heights" subdivision consisting of 63 lots was opened in July, 1906.  Lots were priced from $1,500 and carried a stipulation that homes to be built should cost at least $3,000.

The Madison Heights neighborhood was largely developed between 1910 and 1917.  It consisted of family homes of professional people.  A number of architects and contractors who worked in the neighborhood also lived here.  Many early residents subdivided their lots to build homes for their grown children.  To this day, it's common for multiple generations of a family to own separate homes in the neighborhood.

Allendale Branch Library (1920s)

1130 S. Marengo Aven.

At the southern border of Madison Heights, this adobe structure is currently a Pasadena Public Library branch as well as a school library for Allendale Elementary School.  Built as an isolation hospital for patients with infectious diseases, it became a library in 1951.

Heineman-designed House (1911)

885 S El Molino Ave.

This Craftsman home was designed by Arthur S. Heineman.

E.J. Blacker House (1912)

675 S. Madison Ave.

This Craftsman home was built a few years later than the Blacker House, it's grander Oak Knoll neighbor to the South. 

OAK KNOLL                                                             

Once the site of a sheep ranch owned by Henry Huntington, this neighborhood began its life before the turn of the 20^th century featuring many grand estates.   These estates were built to showcase the lovely native oaks growing in the area.   The most famous estate in the area would be the former Ritz Carlton, now Langham Hotel & Spa. 

Oak Knoll boasts the architecture of the famous Greene & Greene brothers, Sylvanus Marston and Wallace Neff. 

If you have an opportunity to visit Oak Knoll make sure to drive by these estates:

Langham Hotel, formerly known as Ritz-Carlton (built in 1906 and rebuilt in 1991)

1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena

Originally opened as the Hotel Wentworth in 1907 and repurchased by San Marino tycoon Henry Huntington, who had it redesigned by Myron Hunt.  It reopened as a resort destination in 1914 and came to represent Pasadena's elite good life.

Blacker House (1907)

1177 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena

One of the crowning achievements of Greene & Greene architecture along with the Gamble House.  It is privately held and was meticulously restored to its previous glory.

Freeman House

1330 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena

A craftsman designed by Arthur S. Heineman.  Heineman was the designer of the first motor hotel, and is said to have coined a term "motel" for motor hotel.

Dome House (1946)

1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena

A Wallace Neff design.  Neff experimented with concrete structures as part of his on-going interest in building affordable housing.   Dome House represents  an example of his "bubble" construction.

OLD PASADENA HISTORIC DISTRICT (OLD TOWN PASADENA)

Old Town is Pasadena's original business district that began at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.  Newly revitalized, Old Town is one of Southern California's leading destinations.  It has pedestrian-friendly streets, designer boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

Norton Simon Museum (1969)

411 W. Colorado Blvd.

The Norton Simon Museum is on the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Blvd at the beginning of Old Town as you exit the Colorado Street Bridge.  It was designed by the architectural firm of Ladd & Kelsey.  The art museum's interior was renovated by Frank Gehry from 1996 to 1999.

Hotel Green (1898)

Currently known as Castle Green, this was the second building of a lavish 19^th-century resort built in the Moorish style for wealthy Easterners who came to California during winter months to enjoy our moderate climate.  The enclosed bridge that now ends at a small tower once crossed Raymond to connect with the first building in the hotel's complex.  Architect for Hotel Green was Frederick Roehrig.

Pasadena City Hall (1927)

100 N. Garfield Avenue

Pasadena City Hall just underwent an extensive seismic retrofitting.  It's a great example of the Mediterranean style and was translated to fit its California setting by the San Francisco architectural firm of Bakewell and Brown.  The impressive circular tower rises six stories and is topped by a dome which is in turn topped by a cupola that is finally topped by an urn and ball. 

Former Santa Fe Railway Station, 1935

222 South Raymond Avenue

Architect: H. C. Gilman

Chamber of Commerce Building, 1906

117 East Colorado Boulevard

Architects: Parkinson & Bergstrom

Kinney-Kendall Building, 1897

65 East Colorado Boulevard

Architects:

Charles & Henry Greene

Friend Paper Co., 1965

100 West Green Street

Architects: Smith & Williams

ORANGE HEIGHTS                                                  

Once known as "Pill Hill", because of the large number of physicians and care givers who lived in the neighborhood, Orange Heights has always been at the heart of Pasadena's civic life. Some of the city's most prominent citizens have lived here, attracted by the beautiful architecture, terraced yards, tree lined streets, and mountain views.

Orange Heights has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.   It is bounded to the West by Los Robles Avenue, to the East by El Molino Avenue, to the North by Jackson Street, and to the South by Mountain Boulevard.

Although Pasadena has grown and changed during the last century, Orange Heights still appears today much as it did over eighty years ago.

Information on Orange Heights can be found at it its neighborhood website - www.orangeheights.org

 

PROSPECT PARK                                                     

Prospect Park is a tiny neighborhood just North of the 134 Freeway and West of 210 - where the two freeways meet and is off of Orange Grove and Prospect Blvd.  This area was designated as a housing development in 1906 and had Sylvanus Marston clinker-brick portals on Orange Grove at Prospect Boulevard.  Beautiful and mature camphor trees create a shady arch over the wide boulevard as you enter from Orange Grove.  This neighborhood showcases a collection of Greene & Greene houses, the Gamble House and Frank Lloyd Wright's La Miniatura.

Gamble House (1908)

4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena

Called a Gamble House because it was built for David and Mary Gamble of, yes... you guessed it, Proctor & Gamble fame. 

Alice Millard House (La Miniatura) (1923)

645 Prospect Crescent, Pasadena

This home was built by Frank Lloyd Wright for Alice Millard after the death of her husband, rare book dealer George Millard.  This home is an example of concrete-block construction.  La Miniatura's Mayan-influenced design is acclaimed by many as Wright's most interesting work. 

Hindry House (1909)

781 Prospect Avenue, Pasadena

Arthur and Alfred Heineman designed this elaborate home without the benefit of formal architectural training.

Charles Sumner Greene House (1901)

368 Arroyo Terrace

This is Charles Greene's own Craftsman home.  He made several additions to this home over the years. 

If you would like more information on walking tours of Pasadena or historical background, I highly recommend that you get a copy of Hometown Pasadena - The Insider's Guide (www.prospectparkbooks.com.)  It has a lot of wonderful information and history about Pasadena and surrounding cities. 

Read More:  Pasadena Real Estate Market Report

                       Pasadena's South Lake District - Urban Living at its Best!

For more information about Pasadena real estate, please call Irina at 626-627-7107 or email at Irina@Irina4RealEstate.com.

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