Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena is a historic commercial and entertainment district in the heart of Pasadena, California. Bounded roughly by Arroyo Parkway, Holly Street, Pasadena Avenue, and Del Mar Boulevard, it encompasses the city's original downtown core. The area is renowned for its preserved early 20th-century buildings, vibrant pedestrian-oriented streets, and a dense concentration of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural venues. Its revitalization in the late 20th century is considered a landmark success in urban planning and historic preservation.

History

The district's origins are tied to the founding of the Indiana Colony, an agricultural settlement established in 1874 by investors from Indianapolis. With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1886, the area around Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue rapidly developed into Pasadena's primary business and social hub. The construction of iconic buildings like the Pasadena Playhouse in 1925 and the lavish Colorado Street Bridge in 1913 cemented its status. Following a period of decline after World War II, a grassroots preservation movement in the 1970s, supported by the City of Pasadena and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, led to a major rehabilitation. This effort culminated in its 1983 listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the creation of a popular pedestrian mall and transit-oriented development.

Geography and architecture

Old Pasadena is situated on a relatively flat plain north of the Arroyo Seco. The district's street grid, laid out by early surveyors like Benjamin Eaton, is centered on the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue. Its architectural fabric is a dense collection of structures primarily built between the 1880s and 1930s, showcasing styles such as Victorian architecture, Romanesque Revival, and Chicago school commercial buildings. Notable examples include the Edison Building, an Art Deco landmark, and the One Colorado complex, a collection of restored buildings surrounding a central courtyard. Strict design guidelines enforced by the city's Planning Commission ensure the preservation of historic facades while allowing modern interior adaptations.

Economy and culture

The economy is dominated by retail, hospitality, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually. It serves as a major regional dining destination, with establishments ranging from historic venues like the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain to acclaimed restaurants by chefs such as Michael Cimarusti. The district is a cultural nexus, housing institutions like the Pasadena Museum of History and the Boston Court Pasadena theater. It hosts numerous annual events that draw large crowds, including the famous Tournament of Roses Parade on Colorado Boulevard and the Pasadena Chalk Festival. The area's nightlife is anchored by a variety of bars, live music venues, and the Laemmle Playhouse 7 cinema.

Landmarks and attractions

Key historic landmarks include the Pasadena Civic Center, the Pasadena Memorial Park, and the Castle Green, a former hotel built for winter visitors from the East Coast. The Paseo Colorado, an open-air shopping and residential complex, blends contemporary design with the historic streetscape. Cultural attractions are centered on One Colorado, which features a public plaza hosting concerts and film screenings, and the Pacific Asia Museum. The district is also known for its numerous public art installations and murals, which are part of the Pasadena Public Art Program.

Transportation and access

The district is a major transit hub, served by the Metro A Line at the Memorial Park station, providing direct connections to Downtown Los Angeles and Azusa. Several Metro Bus lines operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority converge in the area. Major roadways providing access include the Pasadena Freeway (State Route 110), the Foothill Freeway (Interstate 210), and Arroyo Parkway. An extensive network of pedestrian pathways and the city's ARTS bus circulator service facilitate easy movement within the district. Parking is provided by numerous public structures, including those operated by the Pasadena Parking Authority.

Category:Historic districts in California Category:Pasadena, California Category:National Register of Historic Places in Los Angeles County, California