Multifamily Housing Project could be built in Medical Center Parking Lot

[UPDATED] The Design Commission approved a project that would allow a developer to build multifamily housing in the parking lot of a local medical center.

According to Planning Director David Reyes the project would allow the owner of the Thatcher Medical Center in Pasadena to build 75 dwelling units above a three-level, 332-car basement garage serving both residents and the adjoining medical offices.

Is building is located at 135 S. Catalina Ave.

The applicant is proposing to build affordable units off-site. As of Wednesday afternoon plans for the off-site units have not been submitted to the city. According to Reyes, a Certificate of Occupancy for the new Thatcher project would be issued until the off-site affordable units are completed.

The next step for the project is a building plan check. Before construction begins developers will need to obtain a building permit, which will involve submitting construction drawings that are consistent with all applicable development codes, and approval from multiple city departments before construction can begin.

According to the final design review application the new residential units are proposed to be for sale, so it is likely that the developer will apply for a subdivision map at some point in the future, which will require a public hearing.

No application has yet been submitted, so the meeting has not been scheduled.

“In an email to Pasadena Now, Reyes said the Design Commission’s approval of the Concept Application, which approves the building massing and envelope was approved and there was no appeal and no call for review by the City Council. The Final Design Review application, which addresses issues like, colors, materials and finishes, will become effective on August 10th.”

“This project originally proposed more height and density than the Code allows and opposition to that project was expressed at various public meetings,” Reyes told Pasadena Now. “In response, the applicant revised project to be fully code compliant and has gone through the Design Review process without any appeals or calls for review. This project represents a significant investment in the community during very uncertain economic times and will add to the city’s housing stock.”