Opportunity Knocks for Pasadena Contractors at 10 West Walnut Job Fair

Hundreds of Pasadena locals visited Pasadena’s Flintridge Center Wednesday as the 10 West Walnut project held a hiring fair for the largest real estate development in the City’s history.

A five-story, Class A creative office building within the larger development of Lincoln Properties’ 10 West Walnut project, is due to rise this year. The master plan for the entire development will transform the parking lots surrounding the large corporate headquarters, into a mixed-use 233,000 square-foot complex to include offices, residences, and commercial spaces.

The entire construction project is expected to last five years.

“It is our goal to hire as many local residents as possible on the 10 West Walnut project,” said Catherine Rajan, of the Construction Services Group, which is overseeing the hiring for the project.

“We have already connected many residents to opportunities, and we see significant opportunities ahead,” she added. “We are holding this trade fair to ensure that all members of the community who want to work are given the chance for economic growth as a result of this project.”

A number of Flintridge Center clients, who work with the center to rebuild their lives, participated in the event.

Mike W., who is enrolled in the Flintridge Pre-Apprenticeship Program, was on the site Wednesday, checking out the opportunities for electricians, he said. [Flintridge Center clients have not been identified beyond first names at the Center’s request — Publisher’s Note.]

Mike spoke with a number of contractors today, he said. “It seems like a good opportunity,” he added.

“It’s going pretty good,” said Robert D, a sheet metal worker. “There are a lot of contractors coming out, and a lot of sponsors ready to find workers, consistent workers who are ready to find work, union and non-union. There’s a lot of opportunities for people here.”

The developers committed to a development agreement with the City which promises 20% local hiring, 15% local material sourcing, and 20% local subcontracting goals. Construction began earlier this year and is expected to continue through 2021.

But so far local hiring on the project has not reached one percent. Only 43 of the more than 3,000 workers hired are Pasadena residents according to a recent city staff report.