Green Street Village, Pasadena’s Newest Landmark District, Gets Festive for its First Christmas

Local merchants and shoppers alike are excited to experience what the future holds for the the City’s newest Landmark District called Green Street Village. This newest district is nestled in the quaint neighborhood along Green Street just east of South Lake Avenue between Mentor and Wilson Avenues.

The “Village” gives both locals and out-of-towners the opportunity to enjoy a diverse selection of restaurants, shops and services in a tree-lined neighborhood now marked with new street signs that make the district official and open for business.

“I think it creates more a destination for both locals and tourists for the shopping, the great restaurants on these two blocks in Pasadena,” said High Low Vintage Owner and Green Street Village Board Member Carolyn Gray.

Gray, whose vintage clothing business that has been at its location on the 1000 block of East Green Street for over five years, is a member of the Green Street Village Board a long with neighboring businesses Century Books and luxury clothing consigner Walker/Viden.

According to Gray, the process to distinguish Green Street Village as a landmark district took well over a year to come to fruition.

“We are creating a destination for eating, shopping and so many other things for tourists and locals,” said Gray.

Green Street Village’s genesis didn’t arise from City government planners, but by business owners like Gray.

“What happens in Pasadena is the people understand that it’s important to sort of respect heritage and historic consistency and that there’s real value, not just in residential neighborhoods, but in commercial districts as well to recognize the unique character and ambiance that some of our commercial districts have,” Mayor Terry Tornek said. “This is not a City Hall inspired piece work—this is something that came from the property owners and the merchants in this area.”

Other business that helped make Green Street Village possible are excited about the future.

“I am thrilled about Green Street Village because it’s a way to kind of market this really sweet section of town on Green Street. Everybody love Green Street in Pasadena, but this section is really, really special not just because of the historic significance—it’s just beautiful. This collection of businesses is really exciting,” said Managing Director of luxury consignment store Walker/Viden Jennie Walker.

Steve Marosvolgyi, Owner of Century Books in the Green Street Village district, said he already sees the positive impact on his business.

I think it’s a part of a revitalization of the whole neighborhood. All the neighbors in the area are discovering us,” said Marosvolgyi.

“What’s cool about Pasadena is that we have these kind of magical little nodes across the city and it’s exciting as a council person to watch these kind of take their organic form. Now there’s a great sense of organic vibrancy that’s perfect for this city, perfect for this area and I wish them them the best of luck,” said District 7 Councilmember Andy Wilson.

The newly designated district will host its first “Holiday on Green Street” event on Thursday, December 15th from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. The event will offer Free Dance Lessons, Illustrators, Holiday Stress Facials, Giveaways, Baskets, Live Music, Champagne, Dancers, Art, Wine Tasting and Special Discounts.

Here’s a list of what is planned for the event:

Dance Street will provide dancers who will give dance lessons on the patio of Madeline Garden and also perform throughout the evening inside merchant stores and outside on the sidewalk.

1202 Salon and Spa with holiday stress facials and gift baskets in a pop up shop at Madeline Garden.

Madeline Garden with a wine tasting and dance lessons from Dance Street on their patio from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

High Low Vintage with music from guitarist Peter Skrabak from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. plus champagne and treats plus dancers from Dance Street dressed in HLV attire performing on the sidewalk outside of the shop.

Walker / Viden Luxury Consignment will have an art show with work from Alex Wu Kang and Gale Fulton Ross along with dancers from Dance Studio performing in clothing from their store, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., wine, hors d’oeuvres plus a special flash sale.

Century Books with live jazz music by Krys Mach on saxophone from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and a special in-store event with giveaways. There will be an illustrator/caricaturist drawing at front of Century.

The nights’ event will also serve to raise awareness for the Pasadena Humane Society and Friends in Deed pet food banks. Be sure to bring pet food, a treat or toy and receive something special.

For more information, please visit the Green Street Village website at www.greenstreetvillagepasadena.com.