Design Commission to Continue Discussion of Proposed Apartments On Oak Knoll Avenue Following Local Opposition

The Pasadena Design Commission on Tuesday will continue discussions on a plan to build a four-story, 17-unit multi-family apartment building at 139 S. Oak Knoll Ave.

This meeting started back in December but was met with local opposition in the following days.

Foremost among the objections was a letter from Pasadena Heritage on Dec. 22 which said the project, along with two other projects by Onyx Architects, including one more at Oak Knoll Avenue, were “in need of improvement.”

“In our view, all three are unnecessarily complicated, even convoluted, and generally come across as a combination of boxy forms, fins, materials, and colors that make the exteriors busy and unrefined,” Pasadena Heritage said in the letter.

 “We ask that the Design Commission challenge the architects to return with simpler, cleaner designs that better reflect the immediate contexts of each project and the greater context of Pasadena,” the letter stated.

The group said there are ways the appearance of the proposed building at 139 S. Oak Knoll Ave. could be improved, such as by simplifying the mass of the building, and integrating some of the classical elements in the design into the overall building, instead of them appearing more like add-ons than being organic parts of the structure.

“The various boxes, balconies, and stepped volumes shown should be simplified and made more uniform,” the letter said. “There needs to be a decision made as to the building cladding. Is it brick, plaster, or even board-formed concrete? All would be appropriate, but that cladding choice should cover a large portion of the primary façades.”

A number of residents living near the project site have also expressed opposition to the project in writing.

Claire Hoffman, who resides at 147 S. Oak Knoll Ave., said she is strongly opposed to the project, as well to the other project at 150 S. Oak Knoll, because they would negatively impact the neighborhood.

“My understanding is there is not a need for more housing at this time as I see an abundance of for rent signs when I drive through Pasadena,” Hoffman said. “Right now, there is a need for parking for residents, the employees at the imaging center on the corner, and patrons of nearby shops and restaurants.”

Hoffman added she would consider leaving the area if construction continues.

Another resident, Martiza Torres, said she was disappointed that the city is “taking the side of developers” rather than its inhabitants and ratepayers.

“The developer has many more areas that he can develop. Why this one, when it’s packed with apartments already?” Torres asked.  Why is the city of Pasadena allowing this? Why is the city not taking care of its citizens? Moreover, we are in a gray zone. We don’t have much greenery or parking stations for the already saturated area we live in.”

Torres said she has been encouraging her neighbors to oppose the project as well.

The Department of Planning and Community Development has recommended approval of the Concept Design Review for the project, subject to conditions that will be reviewed when the project gets to the Final Design Review phase.

Members of the community can watch the deliberations at the Design Commission’s meeting on Tuesday through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88337757476 or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the webinar ID 883 3775 7476.

The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m.

Comments may be sent by email to mtakeda@cityofpasadena.net prior to the meeting day, or through the Planning Department’s comments webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/public-comment.