President Gretchen McNally and Benefit Chairman Delise Menik

President Gretchen McNally and Benefit Chairman Delise Menik greeted 500 guests at the Empty House Party for a preview of the Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2008 on Friday, January 25.

Presented by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA), a non-profit volunteer organization, this much anticipated event was the unveiling of the 44th annual Pasadena Showcase House prior to renovation.  In the weeks that follow, acclaimed interior and exterior designers from all over Southern California will transform this Spanish Colonial Revival estate into a magnificent Showcase highlighting the latest in design concepts.

One of La Canada-Flintridge’s most distinguished historic homes, the 1922 estate was inspired and commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. George Hanson of Illinois .  Mr. Hanson, a mining engineer, retained architect, Henry Harwood Hewitt, to build a replica of a Spanish castle with a Moorish design and sent him to Spain to study the architectural details. 

Aside from the striking architecture and views of the valley and city, the grandeur is carried to the covered patios, multi-leveled gardens and water elements that have been carefully maintained.  Over time, the original house was expanded from 8,500 to 10,200 square feet. Subsequent owners meticulously protected the original details of the home which features two-foot thick brick walls, heavily carved wood doors, extensive use of wrought iron, a two- story coffered barrel shaped ceiling in the foyer, winding staircases, stunning chandeliers and considerable acreage.

On this wet and chilly January evening,

This 1922 La Canada Estate is the current Showcase House

the estate’s spectacular entrance and grounds were illuminated with a golden glow. Inside, guests marveled at the dramatic architecture while viewing illustrations and descriptions of the designers’ concepts. An extraordinarily creative selection of gourmet delights were offered to guests at culinary stations located throughout the house. The Spanish-Moorish menu was created by the amazing Peggy Dark of The Kitchen for Exploring Foods that included a variety of tapas and paellas. Wine was donated by Jennifer and Steve Higgenbotham.

Terry Morrell of Pacific Outdoor Living shows of his designs

The Empty House Party is the official announcement for the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts’ annual benefit, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2008.  In a few short months, the “empty house” will be transformed by the efforts of so many volunteers coming together into the legendary Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2008.  Approximately 40,000 guests will visit the Showcase House this spring to view the results of the time and dedication invested by the designers and the PSHA volunteers. 

The Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Antoinette Loupe of In The Loupe Designs poses with her pet peacock

is one of the oldest and largest projects of its kind in the United States . Proceeds are used by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA) for children’s music education programs, an instrumental competition for young adults and a gifts and grants program that supports the Los Angeles Philharmonic, schools and other non-profit organizations. The Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2008 will be open from April 20 through May 18, 2008. For more information and tickets, visit PSHA’s website at www.PasadenaShowcase.org. Tickets can also be ordered by calling (714) 442-3872. Additional recorded information is available at (626) 578-8500.