Design Commission to Review Major Changes to Approved Mixed-Use Project

Pasadena’s Design Commission is meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, to review an application for major changes to an approved final design review for a mixed-use project at 39 S. Los Robles Ave. 

The commission’s special meeting begins at 4:30 p.m.

These changes, which have been reviewed by the Department of Planning and Community Development, include the removal of rooftop pergola, relocation of mechanical spaces, and reconfiguration of one grouping of three windows.

The project is new construction of a mixed-use and hotel project at 260-400 E. Colorado Blvd. The hotel portion of the project has since been constructed and the mixed-use portion of the project, now with the address of 39 S. Los Robles Ave., is currently under construction. 

Last October, the Planning Department approved an application for minor changes to the approved project to remove two previously proposed pedestrian bridges and one exterior stair within the interior of the project. As construction progressed, the applicant raised additional issues and submitted the application for “major changes” to an “approved project.” 

Although most of the requested changes are minor in nature, the proposed removal of the rooftop pergola element affects a feature of the design that was specifically considered by the commission in its previous review and is therefore considered a major change. 

The applicant explained the removal of the rooftop pergola is necessary because of view obstructions from the project’s penthouse units. The removal will also reduce the apparent overall height of the building from the street, and eliminate conflicts with facade maintenance structures that will be required along the rooftop. 

The pergola will be replaced with a stepped cornice, the applicant said. 

The other major changes include the relocation of mechanical spaces from the basement and the sixth floor to ground level, as required by the Pasadena Fire Department, and reconfiguration of one grouping of three windows at the sixth floor along Colorado Boulevard and another similar grouping on the west elevation, to become two windows matching those on the floors below. The applicant said a structural column in the location prevents the installation of the previously approved grouping of three windows.

Analyzing the proposed major changes, Planning Department staff said these are generally consistent with the applicable design guidelines. The overall design intent of the building will remain the same as originally approved and the removal of the rooftop pergola will not create a substantial change in the public’s overall perception of the building.

The changes to two groupings of windows and the slightly narrower storefront bay along Colorado Boulevard will also retain features of the overall language of the design, the Planning Department said. 

Members of the public may access the virtual meeting through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87060284505 or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the webinar ID 870 6028 4505. 

Comments about items on the agenda may be submitted by email to  mtakeda@cityofpasadena.net prior to the meeting day. 

At the start of the meeting, public comment of up to 200 words may be submitted through www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/public-comment.