1) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Alternative 

2) Freeway Tunnel Alternative (with design and operational variations) 

3) Light Rail Transit (LRT) Alternative 

4) Transportation System Management/ Transportation Demand Management (TSM/TDM) Alternative 

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process for the former YWCA/Kimpton Hotel project in the Civic Center is getting underway.

The development project team plans to meet with the Design Commission and Planning Commission in workshop sessions tentatively scheduled for August 11th and 12th. Stefanos Polyzoides, architect and urbanist, has joined the team as a consulting architect to work with Architectural Resources Group (the project architects), the City, and the public on identifying project alternatives for study in the EIR.

Beloved United Artists Building Nominated as Local Landmark!  

New owners of the former United Artists Theater have nominated the 1931 movie theater at 600 E. Colorado Blvd. as a local Pasadena Landmark. The distinctive Art Deco building was designed by Walker & Eisen, the architecture firm known for its Oviatt Building (1927), Ace Hotel and Theater (1927), and the original portion of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (1926).

Early on, the United Artists Theater was used as a "preview house" to screen pre-release cuts of films to the general public, critics, and the press. Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion showed here in June 1941 as did Orson Welle's The Magnificent Ambersons in March 1942.

Despite this pedigree, the theater's Art Deco fa?ade was covered and the original marquee removed in a 1960 "renovation." Consequently, the building could not be included in the 1994 designation of the Playhouse National Register Historic District. The theater closed in 1990 and remained vacant until 1997, when new owners undertook an extensive interior and exterior restoration. Pasadena Heritage assisted with this process. The United Artists building today is notable for its terrazzo entry flooring, zigzag and fluted fa?ade ornament, and decorative aluminum storefront design.

Current tenant and soon-to-be new owners, Blankspaces, envision an active co-working space that will generate welcome new foot traffic. Pasadena Heritage commends the new owners on their recognition of the potential of a distinctive historic building and its contribution to the renaissance happening along this segment of Colorado Blvd. We spoke in support of the nomination at last week's Historic Preservation Commission and will express the same support when the nomination is decided by the City Council in the coming weeks.  

If you would like to join Pasadena Heritage on Saturday, July 18, for our tribute to four of Pasadena's most prestigious educational institutions, all of which have important historic buildings on their campuses, we would love to have you there! But act fast to secure tickets to this unique event because only a few remain at this time. Due to the tremendous support of individual and corporate sponsors, many tables are already filled, but tickets are available, and we'd be delighted to welcome you.  Members will have received the handsome invitation by mail, and information is also available on our website, by clicking here.

The evening will start with cocktails and socializing at Art Center's South Raymond campus in the building that was once a wind tunnel. We are very excited to be unveiling artist Kenton Nelson's newest painting of the Colorado Street Bridge which will be offered in our silent auction along with a small but distinctive array of exciting prizes. Dinner will be served on the rooftop, with presentations to our awardees:  Art Center College of Design, the California Institute of Technology, Fuller Seminary, and Pasadena City College, during dessert. 

It's best to call the office at 626 441-6333 to let us know of your interest so we can provide you with the latest information on ticket availability.