Doane and Pinney Houses to be Considered for Landmark Designation

Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday will review an application that would make the Doane and Pinney Houses at 840-842 N. Fair Oaks Ave. local landmarks because they represent the work of an architect whose work is significant to the city.  

The Doane House is an example of a Queen Anne style single-family residence. It was named after Dr. Phillip Schuyler Doane, a prominent physician and surgeon in Chicago for many years who moved to California in 1902. He died in Pasadena in April 1940. Doane was a lieutenant colonel in the medical corps during the First World War. He organized the Pasadena Central Health service, was president for 11 years of the Pasadena Humane Society, and for two years of the Pasadena Flower Show Association. 

The Pinney House is an example of a Mission Revival Arts and Crafts Period single-family residence. It was named after Roy H. Pinney, the original owner, and was located at 180 S. Euclid Ave., near the Pasadena Civic Auditorium until it was moved to Fair Oaks Ave. The Pinney House is an example of a rare residential Mission Revival Style structure that’s still intact.

Both properties were designed by Pasadena architect Charles W. Buchanan, whose works span both the late 19th- and early 20th-century and reflect the Arts and Crafts Period. A total of 58 designated and surveyed properties in the city’s database are attributed to him. 

In the latter part of the Arts and Crafts Period, Buchanan joined with architect Leon C. Brockway to form the firm Buchanan and Brockway. He was also president of the Pasadena City Railway Co. and a director of the North Pasadena Land and Water Co. 

These two properties are currently owned by MBC Enterprises, LLC, which submitted an application for Landmark designation in July, according to the Department of Planning and Community Development, which had evaluated the property according to the criteria in the Pasadena Municipal Code and determined that the property qualifies for designation as a landmark. 

The Historic Preservation Commission’s special meeting begins at 3 p.m. Tuesday. 

Members of the public can access the meeting through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83699022336 or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the webinar ID 836 9902 2336. 

The public may send comments in advance to mtakeda@cityofpasadena.net or through www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/public-comment.