New York-based architecture firm Stonehill Taylor has revitalized the historic Pasadena Hotel and Pool, transforming the lobby, courtyard and pool deck, and combining the legacy of the landmark through a Spanish colonial lens with California Mission-style furnishings, and restoring the original terracotta flooring to highlight the property’s distinctive history.
Located at 928 E. Colorado Blvd., the hotel was originally opened in 1926 as the Hotel Constance and now boasts of its refreshed public spaces.
“The collection of furniture has been carefully sourced to feel like it is a mix collection from California throughout the 1920s to today,” Marinda Thomas, interiors associate for Stonehill Taylor, told Hospitality Design. “This array of furniture provides a lounge-like feel for guests, inviting groups of people to come and socialize.”
To modernize the property while preserving its historic past, the Stonehill Taylor design team took note of the original coffered ceiling and terracotta flooring and decided to restore them, at the same time repainting the walls in a moody chocolate brown hue.
They also scouted for old Spanish-style furnishings from the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the Round Top Antiques Show in Texas, and Big Daddy’s Antiques in Los Angeles, and gave them fresh upholstery before installing them in the refreshed interiors.
“Originally opened in 1926, our design team took inspiration from the 1920s and the area’s Spanish colonial influence to bring this beautiful building back to life,” Stonehill Taylor posted on Instagram. “One of our favorite spaces? This gorgeous courtyard, which features the original tiling and flagstone floor, is now paired with ample greenery and touches of pastel.”
Walls in the lobby have been repainted to the moody chocolate brown color, and infills of patterned terracotta tiles were added to embellish the original flooring. The team replaced mirrored panels with a tile that has a Spanish motif for a more dramatic layering impact.
Collections of art are framed in gold, adding another layer of contrast to the dark walls. Among the frames that guests would seek is the portrait of Pasadena native Julia Child, a world-famous chef, and vintage pieces that tell the story of the historic Tournament of Roses and Pasadena Hotel and Pool’s intrinsic California pride.
At the end of the day, guests can enjoy a cocktail at the brushed oak wood and marble bar and peruse art and design books. Marble checkers and chess boards are also tucked into cozy spots around the lobby, where a grand piano stands proud.
The hotel’s courtyard has especially been cared for, now with a palette of pink and light blue accented with lush greenery, serving as a relaxed destination when the sun sets.
“The legacy of the hotel shines through at the courtyard with its architectural elements, including archways, the flagstone flooring, and a grand, glazed urn surrounded by the original tiling,” Thomas said.
Along with Stonehill Taylor, the renovation and revival project team included Lisa Gimmy Landscape Architecture, Darkhorse Lightworks, Platinum Construction Design, Summa International, Onyx Architects, and Gray Real Estate Advisors.
To find out more about Pasadena Hotel and Pool, visit www.pasadenahotel.com.
