An exciting new development is underway along the immaculate stretch of Orange Grove Blvd. As one drives or walks along this stately boulevard, you are immediately aware of the beautiful landscaping and architecture from a continuous row on both sides of the street of mostly residential buildings. However, as someone who thinks that many historic cities have done a fantastic job incorporating old with new, I am very excited to learn about a new building being constructed as part of the well-renowned private girls school, Westridge.

Cities like London, Toronto, Montreal, Madrid, New York, etc. are perfect examples of cities that have kept their historic tradition intact, yet have embraced modern designs with respect to the context of their surrounding architectural environment. Pasadena is a rare gem in LA as it has managed to save a substantial stock of historic structures that have set it apart from many other communities in the region. However, the last thing we want is to become a “museum city” as some would call it. Instead, we must remain relevant by embracing the new as well as demanding excellence in design and quality. That process translates into organic growth, which is actually already happening to some extent in Pasadena right now.

The Pica+Sullivan designed Upper Level (higher class grade) Science Building, being constructed as part of Westridge’s campus expansion, is just the kind of high quality modern design Pasadena needs to stay relevant. As a Gold LEED-certified building, it is also another step in the right direction toward a greener city. The project is expected to be completed in fall of 2010.

Here is more info from the school’s website:

“As evidence of its commitment to excellence, Westridge is constructing a new LEED-certified Upper School science facility that will accommodate students’ growing demand for science curriculum and support a forward thinking academic program.

Westridge has been thoughtfully and intentionally revising and energizing its science curriculum during the last decade; the new Upper School science building will more effectively support a science curriculum that is predicated on girls having the opportunity to do science, not just study it. It will be a learning environment that provokes involvement, imagination, and inventiveness – an environment that invites girls to see themselves as scientists.

Whether entering a field of science or not, Westridge aims to engage and prepare students for a world that will undoubtedly remain driven by technology and innovation. The new, two-level, 14,000-square-foot science center, planned for completion in the fall of 2010, will provide much-needed space and equipment.”

Westridge Upper Level Science Building is designed by Pica+Sullivan

The new science building will be Gold LEED-certified

Construction is expected to be completed in fall of 2010

Westridge's new science building site is along Orange Grove Blvd.

A rendering of the new science building with the front entrance facing the left toward Orange Grove Blvd.

A rendering of the new science building from within looking out west toward Orange Grove Blvd.

A rendering of the back of the new science building

Located at the corner of Colorado and El Molino in the heart of the Playhouse District, La Soie Bridal is currently building out the corner space and will be adding to the variety of retail businesses that is growing in this developing district. The bridal shop, with another location in Torrance, is located across the street from the future Playhouse Plaza, which is a new mixed-use project that will add much needed retail space to the Playhouse District when it is completed. I hope this bridal shop is a sign that more retail businesses will eventually open up along this stretch of Colorado – providing a strong pedestrian connection from Paseo Colorado to South Lake Avenue.

Here is more info from La Soie’s website about the coming bridal shop:

The La Soie Experience:

“La Soie Bridal is a full-service bridal salon committed to excellence.  Set against our store´s luxurious and modern interior, we carry a large selection of designer gowns that range from traditional to modern.  Every bride that comes to La Soie Bridal is assisted by a knowledgeable and dedicated bridal consultant who will work closely with the bride to fulfill her vision.  As a bride, you will enjoy private and spacious fitting rooms with large mirrors, pedestals, and seating for your guests.  You can find the perfect accessories to add the finishing touch to your bridal wardrobe.  La Soie Bridal strives to create a memorable experience for you, every step of the way.”

La Soie Bridal in Pasadena will be the second location outside of Torrance

Located at the corner of Colorado and El Molino, La Soie Bridal will be in the heart of the Playhouse District

An image of a woman wearing La Soie's gown from their website

A variety of gowns from La Soie's website

After checking out an open house today on California Terrace, I decided to snap a few photos of the beautiful homes that make up this beautiful neighborhood near the Arroyo Seco part of western Pasadena. The tree-lined street is also lined with custom houses that all have so much character and give this neighborhood such an established presence. The homes, generally, are not the largest in Pasadena, but they are still stunning in their own way.

Beautiful white roses and the colors of fall

California craftsman

Tree house by Tudor house

Cottage ranch with organic garden landscaping

Beautiful landscaping next to craftsman home

Christmas decorated colonial

White picket fence of this colonial Georgian style home

Westgate is one of my favorite developments in Pasadena solely because it expands the urban fabric of Pasadena. What used to be nothing but ugly unused lots and empty buildings in disrepair is now an area transforming into a bona fide neighborhood that will one day be an integral part of Pasadena. I see a not-so-distant future neighborhood full of activity including people jogging, walking their dogs, taking a stroll on a summer evening, and new retail shops catering to both residents and out-of-town visitors. The “Westgate District,” being seamlessly connected to Old Pasadena’s southern boundaries, will feel like a natural urban extension as most people won’t even know that at one time “the excitement” and charm of Old Pasadena ended at De Lacey and Green. Just like people take for granted what Paseo Colorado has done for Pasadena in place of the failed indoor mall Plaza Pasadena.

I had a chance to view some of the floor plans and amenities of Westgate Apartments today. I was told by the General Manager, Gina Lopez, that 17 units have been leased out already and first move-ins occurred on Nov. 21, 2009. Square footage of units range from one-bedrooms at 774SF to 1336SF for the townhouse units. As I toured the complex, I was impressed by the facilities available to residents including: full scale gym (we’re talking gym membership replacement), pool with barbecue grill, conference room, Internet cafe, and even a movie screening room. The units themselves were upscale with nice appliances, and I especially liked the townhouses that had front doors that lead directly out to the street. It reminds me of row houses/brownstones prevalent on the East Coast. It basically means easy access to the street to be a pedestrian.

I was also excited to learn about two features of Westgate that I think will contribute to the community. One is a public park that will be finished by June 2010 called De Lacey Commons, which will front De Lacey Ave. and include a mature transplanted tree surrounded by an art installation by renowned artist Larry Kirkland. The second feature is a network of paseos that slice through the complex and will be open to the public. I find that extremely important for a city aspiring to be pedestrian-friendly. Large blocks should be broken up into smaller ones to promote walking.

All-in-all, I am very excited about Westgate and how it will change this part of Pasadena for the better. I am eager to see the rest of the phases start construction as soon as the economy recovers so we can finally realize the full potential of this nascent neighborhood.

This map of Westgate Apartments shows that a network of paseos open to the public will be part of the complex. The paseos help break up the large block and will be more pedestrian-friendly as a result

Orange Place Paseo will provide pedestrian access from east to west

Werk Paseo will provide pedestrian access from north to south

De Lacey Commons will include a transplanted mature tree and art by renowned artist Larry Kirkland

The meandering pathway is part of the art and will include "a story" about Pasadena

The leasing office at Westgate Apartments

The kitchen of the one bedroom model unit

The living room inside the one bedroom model unit

The bedroom in the one bedroom model unit

The bathroom in the one bedroom model unit

The units come with laminate hardwood floors

The townhouses have double sinks in the bathrooms

The shower heads are also the low flow kinds mandated by water conservation standards

Dual flush toilets are becoming more and more popular in the United States as people become more water conscious

Washers and dryers are included in the units

Access to the street is easy in the townhouses with steps that lead right out to the street

The hallway inside the Westgate Apartments

The Internet cafe with printer

The gym is large enough to get in a good workout even for advanced users

There are cardio machines as well in the gym

The large planters are a nice modern touch to the outdoor areas by the pool

The outdoor pool area also has a barbecue grill

The movie screening room for parties and get togethers

The site of the future De Lacey Commons expected to be finished in June 2010

Photovoltaic solar panels have been installed at the Lake Ave Gold Line station in Pasadena. They started going up last week, and today, construction workers continued installing more panels and solar consultants (including one from Culver City-based SolarCity) were at the station overseeing the progress.

The solar panels are owned by the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) and are manufactured by the Chinese technology company Wuhan Rixin. At 20 kW of energy produced by the solar panels, the solar consultant I spoke to said it would provide more than enough electricity for the lights at the station itself, and any surplus energy would be fed back into the grid.

What is particularly interesting to me about these solar panels is that they act in two different ways. They will not only provide electricity (20 kW), but they will also act as a design element incorporated into the canopies for the station. Anyone walking underneath the canopies will be able to see these solar panels. This is a great example of how cities can start using solar panels in ways we never thought about before. It’s drop in the bucket, but it’s still great to see Pasadena taking tangible steps toward a greener future.

Construction continues on the Lake Ave Gold Line Station

The construction crew continues work on installing solar panels at the Lake Ave Gold Line station

These PV panels, manufactured by Wuhan Rixin, will produce 20 kW of electricity

The new clock tower looks over the newly upgraded Lake Ave Gold Line station

It’s been about 6 months since I last covered KPCC’s new radio station under construction at 474 S. Raymond Ave. just a bit south of Downtown Pasadena. Since that time, what used to be a hole in the ground has sprouted a new building that will eventually be part of a new state-of-the-art $27 million broadcast center for the highly regarded 89.3 KPCC public radio station.

The radio station is currently based on the campus of Pasadena City College (PCC) and will relocate to this brand new facility (part of it adaptive-reuse of an older structure) when it is completed next year.

A rendering of the new KPCC radio station on 474 S. Raymond Ave.

The KPCC new radio station under construction showing some major progress since I last covered it back in June 2009

Crew members working on construction inside the new ground-up portion of the radio station

The adaptive-reuse portion of the new radio station

As construction wraps up on Granite Park Place just right off of South Lake Avenue, the Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh-designed luxury condo complex has now “8 units in contract” according to Sales Manager Darrell Done with some escrows closing soon and future residents moving in as early as late December. Walking through the complex, however, it looked a bit rough around the edges at about 90% complete with some minor cosmetic issues pertaining to the landscaping that needed to be tidied up. The layout of the units and high-end Viking kitchens reminded me somewhat of another luxury project in Pasadena, The Montana Residences by the Civic Center.

Residents can expect to pay between $1025 to $1090 for the HOA dues that go toward the concierge, valet parking, upkeep of the lush landscaping, etc. Prices for the units range from $995,000 to $2,380,000.

And keeping their promise to enhance the sidewalk along San Pasqual St., the developer Vornado Realty Trust has done a great job integrating with the community by adding lush landscaping along a reconfigured sidewalk that meanders down the street instead of going straight down in a linear path before construction. It is not only important for developers to contribute toward enhancing the public space around their private properties, it is smart business practice.

Granite Park Place is now completed and close to moving in its first residents

The developer reconfigured the sidewalk to meander down the street instead of being just a straight linear path

The lush landscaping will enhance and beautify the community making the area even more attractive for all residents in the neighborhood

Another look down the street toward South Lake Avenue with the meandering sidewalk and lush landscaping

The seating area in the main lobby

The main lobby foyer

The living room in the model unit #116 in building number two with 2 bed 2.5 baths, 2,206SF at $1.8 million

The fireplace in the living room

The all-Viking appliance kitchen in the model unit

The living room is surrounded by an outdoor private patio

The hallway that leads to the bedrooms

Bedroom number one

Bathroom number one inside bedroom number one

Master bedroom

Master bath

Built out closet in master bedroom

The front doors are made of dark wood

An example of an unfurnished living room

Viking kitchen appliances are standard

A fountain that leads to the pool area outside the rec room

The community pool and hot tub

The recreational room with flat screen TV for hosting gatherings

The community fitness center

I like to see luxury complexes like Granite Park Place encourage recycling

The front entrance for Granite Park Place leads to South Lake Avenue

The penthouse units on the 5th floor

Some units come with large terrace patios

An exterior view of Granite Park Place

The Pasadena City Council, with much foresight and courage against NIMBY’s, approved (6-1) the IDS mixed-use project at the SE corner of Colorado and El Molino. Aptly named The Playhouse Plaza due to its close proximity to the venerable Pasadena Playhouse Theatre, the 5-story ~160,000 square feet building will also add much needed parking to the Playhouse District with 155 spaces dedicated to public use.

The project, designed by architect firm Gensler, will include street-front retail spaces fronting Colorado and also an east-west paseo that would provide a pedestrian connection between the Playhouse Theatre on El Molino and the Arcade Lane. As part of the project’s approval, the City Council mandated that the developer, IDS, fund a mid-block crosswalk study on El Molino (basically for pedestrians that would cross the street from the new paseo over to the Playhouse Theatre and vice versa).

Playhouse Plaza will need to pre-lease a portion of the commercial office spaces (floors 2-5) before construction loans can be secured. According to the Pasadena Star News: “Construction could begin in six months and be completed within 2 years, said David Saeta, of IDS Real Estate Group.”

The Playhouse Plaza will reinvigorate the heart of the Playhouse District as more people will be attracted to the renewed cityscape

A view of Colorado Blvd. looking west with the IDS Playhouse Plaza on the left side. Rejuvenating the Playhouse District is critical to the long term goal of making Downtown Pasadena a compact and walkable district

The beautiful historic structure at the corner of Colorado and Oakland, that lost the upscale Glabman’s Furniture store earlier this year, will be getting a new lease on life, literally. According to two independent sources, the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts across the street is doing well enough that the school is expanding and has leased out almost the entire 4-story building (except the penthouse level). The second and third floors will be occupied by the school (we can safely assume for administrative offices and/or classrooms), and what is particularly exciting to the Playhouse District from a pedestrian standpoint is the school’s plan to build-out a restaurant on the ground floor space that was the former Glabman’s Furniture.

A new restaurant will surely help activate the corner of Colorado and Oakland and perhaps be the impetus to more restaurants opening along Colorado Blvd. in the Playhouse District. The importance of the Playhouse District cannot be emphasized enough. Remember, in order for Downtown Pasadena to be completely walkable, the Playhouse District must act as the “pedestrian bridge” between South Lake Avenue and Old Town Pasadena/Paseo Colorado. That means the streets must be activated by attracting new businesses that generate energy. The biggest need for positive improvement? The stretch of Colorado between Los Robles and Oakland.

As for this new restaurant, it is not clear whether the well-regarded 561 Restaurant will relocate into the space from Madison and Green, or if the school will come up with an entirely new concept. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting new development.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena

The expansion of the Le Cordon Bleu school entails taking up the ground floor to the third floor of the historic "Glabman's Furniture" building. The school is currently located across the street with the main entrance in the 8-story building seen on the right side of the picture

The school will be a perfect tenant for this beautiful historic building

Bistro 561 Restaurant may be relocated to the new expanded school in the former Glabman's Furniture space

The Renaissance condos, covered back in September, has been renamed as Terra Bella. With ”28 luxury condominiums and average unit sizes of 2,145 square feet” soon to hit the market, the developers, Legendary Development, have touted the forthcoming mixed-use development as “Ritz-Carlton quality.” 

The current construction status looks to be almost halfway complete as the structure height (now at 2 floors) has gained speed over the past few weeks. Located at the corner of Cordova and Marengo, Terra Bella is conveniently located across the street from the Del Mar Gold Line station as well as the Pasadena Convention Center.

Terra Bella construction at the corner of Cordova and Marengo

Terra Bella finishing work on the second floor and will be starting on the third floor soon

An updated rendering of Terra Bella courtesy of Legendary Development