Robert F. Maguire III, Whose Projects Included Pasadena’s Plaza Las Fuentes, Dies At 86

The architect who designed Pasadena’s iconic Plaza Las Fuentes, with its layered levels, gurgling water flows and tiled vignettes steps from Pasadena City Hall, has reportedly died at 86.

Robert F. Maguire III died at his home in Studio City due to complications from pneumonia, a family representative told the Los Angeles Times.

Maguire founded Maguire Properties, then known as Maguire Partners, in 1965 and continued serving in the roles of Co-CEO and chairman of the board of directors, according to the company.

“Over its 39 year history, Maguire Partners established a successful record of producing premier buildings of lasting quality and architectural excellence, often in joint ventures with major corporations,” company representatives said in a written statement.

The company developed the Wells Fargo Center in Los Angeles in the 1980s and went on to develop the Plaza Las Fuentes, 135 N. Los Robles Ave. in Pasadena, in 1989.

“The U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest office building west of the Mississippi River, was completed in 1989 as part of the Los Angeles Central Library redevelopment plan which Maguire Partners spearheaded,” according to the statement. “The Gas Company Tower was the second office building in this plan.”

Maguire also developed Glendale Center in 1996.

Maguire was born in Portland, Oregon on April 18, 1935, the Times reported.

Prior to his long career as a developer, Maguire served as vice president at Security Pacific National Bank, according to the company.

“Mr. Maguire has directed the development of over 25 million square feet of institutional-quality projects nationally, usually with major tenants including Sempra Energy, IBM, Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, the Walt Disney Company, MGM, and Time Warner, among many others,” the statement said.

“Under Mr. Maguire’s direction, the firm has developed some of the most significant landmark projects in the country,” it continued. “These include the premier projects, U.S. Bank Tower, Gas Company Tower, Wells Fargo Tower and KPMG Tower in Los Angeles, Pasadena’s Plaza Las Fuentes, the Glendale Center, Commerce Square in downtown Philadelphia and Solana in Dallas.”

More information on Maguire Properties can be found on the company’s website at maguireproperties.com.