Day 192 of 365 Things to Do In Pasadena takes us to Old Pasadena (or Old Town, as many still refer to) which houses the original business district of Pasadena. It all began at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. It’s hard to write about Pasadena without mentioning Old Pasadena in one way or another. Whether visiting pedestrian-friendly streets, a multitude of new and exciting restaurants featuring exotic or traditional flavors, designer boutiques, coffee shops, there’s always something to do.
However, why not take a couple of hours and visit some of the more famous historic homes. Here are a few for you to check out as you visit Old Pasadena, one of Southern California’s leading destinations.
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 19th-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
A great example of the Mediterranean style which 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.
Read More: Day 1 of 365 – Pasadena City Hall
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
READ MORE: Pasadena Condos for Sale in Old Town
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