Historic Preservation Commission to Vote on Landmark Designation of Two Properties in Pasadena 

The Historic Preservation Commission is set to consider designating two properties in the city as historic landmarks during its meeting on Tuesday.

The properties are located at 731 East Washington Boulevard and at 489 E. Colorado Blvd.

731 E. Washington Boulevard

The 3,795 square feet building at East Washington Boulevard, built in 1930, was designed by architect Glenn Elwood Smith. 

The building, which originally served as a drive-in market, was later converted into an auto repair shop. 

The Planning and Community Development Department determined that the property is eligible for landmark designation under the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) because it embodies a number of distinctive characteristics of an architectural style (Art Deco) and as a property type is a rare example of an intact early automobile-related drive-in market.

“The former drive-in market at 731 East Washington Boulevard is significant because it is a rare, intact example of an early automobile-related drive-in market that was converted into an auto shop early in its history.”

The department also said the property is eligible because it is the work of Smith.

“It is additionally significant as a distinctive example of the Art Deco architectural style, designed by prolific local architect Glenn Elwood Smith. The subject property is a unique expression of Smith’s diverse professional style, which incorporated elements of the Period Revival and Modern architectural movements, adapted for an automobile-oriented property.”

Smith designed a few commercial and institutional buildings during his time including the Spanish Colonial Revival style Fire Station #6 at 1435 North Raymond Avenue, the Ives & Warren Company Mortuary at 100 North Hill Avenue; and the Art Deco style Lamanda Park Masonic Lodge at 25 South Huntington Drive, among others. 

489 E. Colorado Boulevard

Meanwhile, the property at E. Colorado Blvd., constructed in 1926 and was designed by  John Cyril Bennett and Fitch Haskell. 

As per the Planning and Community Development Department, the commercial building meets Criterion for designation as a landmark pursuant to PMC because “it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a locally significant property type, architectural style and period and represents the work of an architect whose work is of significance to the City.”

“It is a locally significant example of a Georgian/Neoclassical style commercial building designed by locally significant architects Bennett & Haskell,” the department stated. 

Bennett and Haskell are the founders of the firm Bennett and Haskell, which operated in and around Pasadena from approximately 1923- 1934.

During their partnership, they designed a number of local commissions including the Dr. R.E. Campbell Store, the Central National Bank, Date Corporation of America Offices and Warehouse, All Saints’ Episcopal Church #2 Parish House and Rectory, and the William Leithed House, among others. 

The 9,897 square feet building, which originally housed Harry Fitzgerald’s, a clothing store, is currently occupied by an insurance agency.