Pasadena Heritage Hosts Access to Blinn House During Statewide Historic Architecture, Design and Cultural Heritage Celebration

Pasadena Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the city’s historic and cultural resources, is hosting a free event this Saturday, Sept. 9, as part of the Doors Open California celebration.

Doors Open California is a statewide event that provides enthusiasts of historic architecture, design, and cultural heritage access to select sites across the state over one weekend.

The event will feature an open house at the Blinn House, a stunning example of Craftsman architecture designed by George Washington Maher in 1905. 

“Maher was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright and a leading architect of the Prairie style,” Kristen Norton, Education Director at Pasadena Heritage, said. “The Blinn House is the only known residential commission for Maher west of the Mississippi. The Prairie style is relatively rare in Pasadena, and the Blinn House is one of the best examples of the style in the region.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 160 N Oakland Ave., the house is the headquarters of Pasadena Heritage.

“A major tenet of Pasadena Heritage’s mission is to share the importance of Pasadena’s cultural and architectural treasures with our community and beyond,”  Norton added. “We continue to host a variety of educational programs – from lectures to tours – to foster a greater understanding of our architectural heritage. This goes hand in hand with advocating for the preservation of our many historic spaces and places. We hope that by instilling an appreciation for these historic landmarks, we can ensure their protection and preservation.” 

Participants will also be able to take a self-guided tour of Ford Place, a charming street lined with bungalow-style homes built between 1908 and 1913. The tour will highlight the architectural features and stories of the houses, which reflect Pasadena’s early development and diversity. Brochures will be available for those who wish to explore the historic district on their own, Norton said. 

The event is sponsored by Pasadena Heritage and is part of Doors Open, a larger initiative organized by the California Preservation Foundation. Doors Open California includes over 70 historic sites across the state that are opening their doors to the public for this special occasion.

By holding Doors Open California in partnership with local organizations, the California Preservation Foundation aims to raise awareness of and appreciation for the state’s invaluable historic sites. It also hopes to inspire people to protect and preserve these sites for future generations.

The Blinn House will be open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 9th. Advanced registration is required. To register for the event, or for more information on Doors Open California, visit https://californiapreservation.org/doca/.

For more information, you can call Pasadena Heritage at (626) 411-6333.

To learn more about Doors Open California, visit https://californiapreservation.org/doca/.