Application for a 17-unit, Four-Story, Multifamily Residential Development to be Reviewed by Design Commission

The Pasadena Design Commission will review an application for a new 17-unit, four-story multifamily residential development at 139 S. Oak Knoll Ave. during a special meeting on Tuesday, December 22, starting at 4:30 p.m.

A report by the Department of Planning and Community Development showed the project site is a single 8,610 square-foot lot at the southwest corner of South Oak Knoll Avenue and Mira Monte Place, between East Green and Cordova streets. The site is rectangular-shaped and is currently developed with a surface parking lot surrounded by a perimeter concrete block wall that was built in 1959 and is proposed to be demolished.

Previously, a two-story single-family residence estimated to be built in the 1890s was on the site but was demolished around 1955 or 1956. There are three non-protected trees within the site and are all proposed to be removed. There are also seven street palm trees in the public right of way, which will be retained. 

Surrounding properties include single- and multifamily residential buildings that are between one and four stories high. Directly adjacent to the west is 710 Mira Monte Place, a one-story single-family residence built in 1898 which was originally part of the subject site; it is not a designated or eligible historic resource, according to the Pasadena Central District Survey recorded on Aug. 30, 2000. 

To the south is a three-story multifamily residential building with at grade parking that was built in 1989. To the north, across Mira Monte Place, there is a four-story multifamily residential building with underground parking that was built in 1994. To the east, across South Oak Knoll Avenue, there is a three-story commercial office building, an at-grade parking lot, and the Immanuel Lutheran Brethren Church. 

The proposed project is for the construction of a four-story multifamily residential development with 17 dwelling units and 20 subterranean parking spaces. The site design consists of a single building mass with a footprint that would occupy the majority of the site, except for the required front and side yard setbacks, a vehicular driveway at the south edge of the property, and an open garden space along the westerly edge. 

The building’s primary facade would be oriented to the east, facing Oak Knoll Avenue. Vehicular access is proposed along the same frontage, at the southeast corner of the property. The secondary façade would face north, toward Mira Monte Place. Pedestrian access would be available from both of the street-facing elevations. 

The report said the Design Commission reviewed an application for preliminary consultation for this project on Nov. 13, 2018, and submitted comments, leading to a number of revisions from the design team. These revisions will further be explained at Tuesday’s special meeting. 

The Planning Department said the project design, following recommended revisions, will satisfactorily address comments provided during preliminary consultation and will be consistent with the applicable guidelines and meet the required findings for approval of concept design review. 

The department is recommending approval of the project’s application for concept design review with conditions to refine the massing and improve the quality and detailing of the architectural design. 

Members of the community can watch the meeting online through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85925678033 or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the webinar ID 859 2567 8033. 

Comments may be submitted earlier by email to mtakeda@cityofpasadena.net or by accessing www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/publiccomment.