Iraheta, Alba
From: Loren Naiman
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 5:49 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Please Provide all items to Council Members
Attachments: Logo letter to Pasadena re zoning[30] pdf; historic doc.
HowardMotorCompanyBuilding_Pasadena_CA[83].pdf; The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER[65].pdf
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I am submitting the three documents and the photographs for consideration during the proceedings related to zoning in the ECSP.
02/28/2022
Item 1
NAIMAN
PROPERTIES
NAIMAN PASADENA PARTNERSHIP
13842 DAVANA TERRACE
SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91423
TEL: 818-371-4380
FAX: 818-902-1230
CITY OF PASADENA
100 N. Garfield Avenue, Room S228
P.O. Box 7115
Pasadena, CA 91109-7215
Attn.: FELICIA WILLIAMS
[email protected]
626-744-4742
Dear Ms. Williams,
My name is Loren Naiman. I am a part owner of the property located at 1283-1285 East Colorado Boulevard. The property bears State, Local and Federal designation as the Howard Motor Company Building and it is known for its Churrigueresque architectural style, a standout in the community.! The structure was designed and developed by Charles Howard, the owner of the famous racehorse named Sea Biscuit. Mr. Howard was dubbed one of the most successful Buick salesmen of all time.
My family has owned residential and commercial real estate in Pasadena for over 100 years. My mother and grandparents were long-time residents of Pasadena. In 1924, my grandfather built a large building on Arroyo Parkway. Family members ran successful businesses there for about 50 years. We have owned residential income property in the community since 1958. My brother, one of the partners in the Howard building, resided in the Langham area for over 40 years. I was a Deputy District Attorney at the Pasadena Courthouse. My son will soon be a veterinary surgeon in the city. In other words, we have substantial ties to the community.
I am writing to express my disappointment in the East Pasadena Specific Plan and my greater disappointment in the Plan creation and implementation process.
During lease discussions with an exciting potential tenant for the property, I discovered a proposed, superseding, Specific Plan could block efforts to bring a new enterprise to the area. ' According to the nomination for the United States Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places, "The Howard Motor Company Building is significant under NR Criteria A and C (Commerce and Architecture) as a well-preserved local example of the automobile showroom property type, which emerged as a significant building form in Pasadena during the early growth and expansion years of the "automobile era." The handsome concrete and stucco Spanish Colonial Revival-style building features a theatrically decorated street elevation designed to both capture the attention of passing consumers and reflect the status and excitement of new automobile ownership." I have now undertaken a thorough review of the document and would like to express my concerns as a property owner and a person with long and substantial ties to the community.
At the first glance I was smitten by the prominence our building was granted in the Specific Plan.
Photographs of Howard properties adorn four pages in the document; pages 6, 21, 24, and 109.
Two of the building's photographs take up full pages in the Plan. The buildings are mentioned by name three times. Perhaps this is not an accident since our partnership's property, (approximately 1 1/3 acre, one half block on Colorado Boulevard), constitute one of the largest contiguous parcels in the subarea. The Howard building, however, is treated as little more than a mercantile storefront with no consideration of the factory/industrial quality of the bulk of the property.
There is also no consideration for the historic purpose behind building, its use and function during the last 95 years, or its future, intended, or best use.
This may be an oversight on the part of the City planners, or it may indicate a much deeper lack of proper outreach to our property owners and their tenants in the area. Under the title of OUTREACH..., the planners state, "The Specific Plan represents the outcome of a robust outreach process and technical planning and design effort." How robust was this outreach if the property owners were never contacted?
Even if property owners were sent drafts of the proposed changes, which I assert they were not, the modifications were placed in charts and hidden by acronyms that failed to spell out the intent to remove otherwise viable uses for the properties in the subarea.
Maps are segregated by colors not by the acronyms for the areas. The subarea is called "Mid City", ', but the zoning ban is listed under ECSP-MU1. The only area linkage in the document is found in footnotes on page 70 and 96. Was something being hidden? Transitory students were contacted but were the taxpayers? As one of the owners of this property 1 am prepared to state unequivocally that I was never advised of the proposed changes or personally invited to any meetings. Nor were any of the other owners of our property, including my brother who was a Pasadena resident. When I contacted our current tenant in the property, regarding the changes, I was told that he was never consulted.
The plan (Pages 14-16) discuss email, mailers, an online-survey and other outreach efforts, but no such survey was ever sent to me or any of the other owners. Those pages mention workshops, pop up events, and walking tours, however no one associated with these properties was ever invited to these events or contacted with the specifics of the zoning changes. As indicated in the plan, it appears transitory students were well informed, while long term, stake-holding property owners were left out of the outreach efforts. The plan proposal references the outreach efforts and on-line survey. I have requested information about the parties surveyed but received a notice from the city that a response to my questions would be delayed. 2
2 On February 16, 2022 I received a response to my request for information that stated: "With City staff and resources currently focused on the provision of essential services to protect the public health, safety and welfare, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City's response to your Public Records Act request will be delayed."
2 The chart associated with the "Preliminary Specific Plan Standards" lacks any indication that property owners were ever contacted and/or provided notice of the changes that would affect the allowed uses of their properties. Failure to contact the parties, most affected by the changes, is deficient notice or misleading to the parties involved.
On Page 40, the Specific Plan states its intent to provide "A mix of new and existing neighborhood commercial uses..., but then goes on to ban any use associated with:
Alternative Fuel/Recharging Facilities. 3 Vehicle Services, Sales/Leasing. Vehicle Services, Vehicle Equipment Repair, Animal Services, Hospitals, Micro Breweries and tasting rooms, Industry restricted, Wholesaling, Distribution and Storage, Small-Scale, Laboratories. Exactly what did the planners have in mind for thousands of square feet of industrial space?
The one size fits all approach does not fit with this structure and it may not fit with other buildings in the subarea. Nor is the approach of the planners terribly forward looking.
While at the beginning of the creation of this document Alternative Fuel/Recharging stations may have been an anomaly, Electric Vehicles will soon be the norm. These vehicles will need access to energy and charging facilities and what could be a better use than within the confines of an industrial structure already standing in the area. Electric Vehicle users are looking to buy. Why shouldn't they be able to purchase on Route 66.
As it pertains to the Howard Motor Company Building, the plan completely ignores the edifice it desires to regulate. Unlike other buildings in the mid city area, the Howard Building was constructed with a single purpose in mind. While almost any structure can be re-purposed, the planners have failed to consider repurposing some buildings could be extremely awkward. The Howard building was poured in place. Its walls are constructed of steel and concrete which are at least two and one half feet thick. Internal walls, of the same thickness, cannot be moved because they support over 15,000 square feet of wide-open space with thirteen-inch thick concrete floors on the second level.* The building is constructed with a large and very ornate showroom with a thirty-foot tall oak-beamed ceiling. Offices stand behind structural walls in the showroom but the bulk of the property is industrial space Structural modifications may be precluded due to required compliance with historical standards.
To the best of my knowledge, none of the unnamed planners has ever inspected the property to see if it conforms to their concept of what the neighborhood needs. The Specific Plan casts a wide net without any thought that a whale could be contained within the perimeter. My fear is that the one size fits all zoning rules which are being proposed are a poor fit for a historic property that cannot be easily modified.
3 The plan states as one of its purposes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and further states that it wants to make the most efficient use of urban land and transportation infrastructure, but it cuts the city off from alternative energy vehicles and charging. This is an affront to logic and flies in the face of the current push for transition from internal combustion engines to less polluting means of transportation. It is also antithetical to the principals espousing future economic development as stated in Section 12 on page 139 of the Specific Plan. Pasadena may want to encourage walking and bicycle riding, but it should also understand that not all of the people in the community are ready to give up motor vehicles as a viable means of transportation. There are lessons to be learned from other cities that have attempted to impose "Road Diets".
4 The second floor is capable of bearing the weight of approximately 70 cars.
The planners appear to completely ignore the historic nature of the property. The City expresses that it will be "HONORING HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE" in a document that completely denies the historic background of the property. While proclaiming the value of "historic landmarks" and extolling the history of the automobile culture, it seeks to ban historic uses. It does this without cause, without stated justification and without thought about the effects the zoning bans have on potential leasing opportunities. In so doing, the plan denies owners the ability to use the value of their assets and denies the public access to necessary and desired services.
The document states "The Specific Plan includes standards to protect historic resources and existing elements of the area". While proclaiming the value of "historic landmarks", it bans historic uses without cause and without thought about the effects of the bans on potential entrepreneurial opportunities. The plan states, "The East Colorado Specific Plan area is a commercially focused area of the City that includes historic properties, churches, motels popular for Rose Parade viewing, and a few pockets of residential homes. Mid-century signage, car dealerships, auto service shops, and re-purposed auto showrooms reflect the corridor's historic Route 66 character." S
the "Howard Motor Company Building at 1283 Colorado Boulevard (1927)" and memorializing the connection to the automotive industry. The plan's description of the area clearly specifies that the area includes vehicle related uses. The continued connection to churches is memorialized, but the future connection to automobiles has been banned. This automotive zoning ban is being imposed without any stated justification or compensation to the residents and property owners who depend on that industry Nowhere in the plan is there a discussion of why this historical use should be obliterated, other than the by the whim of the planners. This variance from historic use, made without consultation with the impacted property owners, deserves additional review.
The Mid-City Subarea Concept, (Page 52), does not justify the taking away of any of the stated banned uses. In fact, the plan states that it provides for "changing market demand by allowing use flexibility that is aligned with overall vision of the Subarea. Did anyone consider that the new residents might need to buy or repair their cars or charge their newly purchased electric vehicles? Or that they might enjoy visiting a micro-brewery and sampling locally produced wares. Why should the thousands of square feet of currently used storage space behind the Howard building be rendered inappropriate for the area? Why should the thousands of pet owners in the city be denied access to "Animal Services, Hospital"?
The Howard building houses approximately 15,000 square feet of industrial space above ground level. Was this overlooked in this proposal which also restricts what can be done on the second floor. The only guidance for these changes appears on Page 69, but the desire to promote mixed use development and support the stated projects, does not justify 5 Emphasis added.
• Exactly whose vision is this?
4 the draconian abolishment of otherwise beneficial uses. Finally, did anyone consider the financial impact on the owners of the properties in the area? Is this why these changes were penned without consulting the taxpayers.
Pasadena Municipal Code Section 17.31.020, enforces the concept that the purpose of the proposed plan "is to implement the East Colorado Specific plan by balancing and optimizing economic development, historic preservation and the maintenance of local community culture...".
Where is the balance? The plan ignores historic preservation by failing to maintain the local community culture revolving around the automobile. The plan also fails to adhere to the edict of subsection G of that code section that aims to "Protect historic resources and honor the past of Colorado Boulevard ...through subarea identification and remembrance of Colorado Boulevard as Route 66. Ignoring language of intent demonstrates total disdain for merchants, businesses, and commercial property owners in the mid city zoning area. This fact is underscored by the wording of language affecting adjacent subareas where it is stated that the purpose of the code is to "Ensure the future development of East Pasadena that balances the community needs of residents with the needs of businesses and commercial property owners;" Section 7.1 of the Plan, (Implementation Actions), acknowledges the need for phased implementation, but the plan itself requires that the zoning bans on uses, is immediate.
The chart on Page 131 commands that the zoning changes will be implemented immediately. Such action unleashes abrupt requirements that diminish the value of the real estate without providing owners time sequencing that would allow for gradual withdrawal from currently valid uses. In addition, the operation of these zoning bans is contrary to the language on Page 9 which states that the plan "will not mandate or accelerate any ...immediate changes to the built environment." Unfortunately, the modifications of use, specifically and immediately, change the built environment. Because there is no zoning phase in period, the plan provides no process by which a property owner or tenant can prepare for the changes and transition, over time, into the proposed required modifications. Nor does there appear to be any built-in request for variance procedure.
Where is the equity in this process? Section 7.2 discusses "Citywide Implementation" and extolls the virtue of "Equitable Implementation". The City should acknowledge that equity, is withheld when immediate modification of what could be the highest and best use of a property is ripped from the fabric of property ownership. Springing challenges like this without phase in is simply not equitable or fair.
At the very least, this plan should be reconsidered in light of the information I have provided before it is implemented. Property owners should be given a voice. Further consideration of the value of some of the banned uses should take place.
Yours truly,
LOREN NAIMAN, Property Manager
5 (Ост 1990)
7 RECEIVED 2290 433.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
• AR
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
NAT. REGISTER Of !!!.•**
NATIONAL PARK
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Histonc Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropnate box or by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions. architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items.
1. Name of Property
historic name Howard Moto Company Buildng
other names/site number _ Acura of Pasadena. California Custom Coach. Inc... Howard Automotive Company
2. Location
street & number - 1285 ECobad Bole tard • not for publication city or town Pasa dena • vicinity
State California code _CA_ county _Los Angeles. code _037 zip code 91106-
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended. I hereby certify that this So nomination © request for determination of egibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant • nationally- statewide ExXlocally. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Foell 3/15/16
Signature of certfying official/Title
California Office of Historic Preservation
State of Federal agency and bureau •
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register cntena. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of certifying official/Title Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
National Park Service Certification
I hereby certity that the property is: Dale of ActIon
entered in the National Register.
• See continuation sheet. PR fugie 4/19/96
• determined eligible for the
National Register
• See continuation sheet.
• determined not eligible for the
National Register.
• removed trom the National
Register.
C other, (explain:)
Howard Molor Lompany Bulding Los Angeles Count: California Name of Property County and State
5. Classification
Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Check onty one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) & private I building(s) Contributing Noncontributing
• public-local C district
= site 0 - buildings
• public-State
• public-Federal • structure 0 0 sites
C object 0 0
- structures
0 0
- objects
0 Total
Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) in the National Register Early Automobile-Related Properties in Pasadena (1897-1944) 0
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) COMMERCE/TRADE/Specialty Store COMMERCE/TRADE/Specialty Store
7. Description
Architectural Classification Materials
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) LATE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY REVIVALS foundation CONCRETE Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival walls STUCCO
CONCRETE
roof ASPHALT
other CONCRETE/Cast Stone
Narrative Description
(Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) See Continuation Sheets).
OMS Approval Ma. 1094-0018
United States Department of the Interlor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
1 of 2 DESCRIPTION
Section number - Page
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA
DESCRIPTION
The Howard Motor Company Building is a two-story, concrete and brick. Spanish Colonial Revival-style commercial building with a high-style. richly ornamented automobile showroom at the street and an attached utilitarian service garage behind. The showroom interior. also richly ornamented. is visible from the street through expansive plate glass windows and entry doors. The building was constructed in 1927 by the Austin Company of California. architects and contractors. for the Howard Motor Company. The building remains virtually unaltered from its 1927 appearance. both on the exterior and in the significant interior spaces.
Automobile Showroom
The richly ornamented double-height showroom fronts directly on East Colorado Boulevard and has a smooth cement plaster finish exterior with a central and substantial cast stone Churrigueresque ornament. decorative chamfered corners. and a broad ornamental frieze. The showroom windows and entry doors are recessed in a single elliptical arch which spans the entire street facade. The arch has a grooved cast stone head mold that terminates in unusual scrolled imposts. The east elevation of the showroom also has an elliptical-arched window. but without the head mold. The central entry doors are marked by decorative cast iron piers and a dividing panel between the doors and transom: original wrought iron grillwork over the doors and transom has been removed The showroom windows have high cement bulkheads with decorative metalwork along the flat sills. Some of the original dividing bars and copper windows stops have been replaced with a new metal framing system.
The theatrical Churrigueresque ornament, marking the entry, dominates the entire street facade, extending from the top of the elliptical arch to the parapet: the ornament has tripartite divisions and incorporates elaborate mythical figures and faces, shells. medallions. Arabesque ornament and scrollwork. four urn-shaped finials. and a central rondel window with a fish-scale screen. all in high relief. The ornamental frieze wraps around the remainder of the front and sides of the showroom, with two cast stone moldings separated by a gridded field of small rosettes with medallions and ornamental plaques. The flat portion of the chamfered corners also has ornamental plaques. The roof is screened from view by the parapet. A large projecting cabinet sign has been added to the western end of the street facade.
Showroom Interior
The showroom interior is a rectangular-plan two-story space with painted unfinished concrete walls, a red tile floor, and an exposed wood truss roof of elaborately carved heavy timber trusses with metal straps and exposed cross-bracing. The rear wall of the showroom has a symmetrical two-story elevation divided into five bays by floor-to-ceiling pilasters and three curvilinear arches, with a series of entrances, alcoves, and balconets connecting to offices on the ground floor and mezzanine levels, and the service garage beyond. Decorative features include a series of cast stone panels with coats of arms, piers with cast stone capitals supporting the 102 Fom 100004 CMS Acprovel Ma. 1024-0018
• United States Department of the Interlor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
7 2 of2 DESCRIPTION
Section number Page
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena. Los Angeles County. CA
mezzanine level. a flight of stairs to the mezzanine level with ceramic tile risers. mezzanine railings with cast stone fish-scale screens. wrought iron railings and grillwork. and two large elaborate chandeliers with gilding and metal tin work suspended from the ceiling. Portions of the rear of the mezzanine level. originally open. have been infilled with private offices and the entry berween the showroom and the garage has been narrowed.
Service Garage
The attached two-story service garage is L-shaped in plan and fronts on a side street. Worth Chester Avenue. The street elevation of the service garage has a smooth cement plaster finish exterior, while the secondary elevations have a painted unfinished concrete exterior. Banks of fixed. multi-pane metal windows with operable awning sections and plain concrete sills divide the service garage elevations into bays. Metal security bars have been added to the lower-level windows. Entrances to both levels of the service garage are directly off the side street. with the lower level devoted to open service bays and the upper level to open parking and storage. The upper- level is supported by squat concrete columns with simple flared capitals and open to a steel truss and wood roof.
The roof of the building is screened from view by the parapet.
Howard Motor Company Building Los Angeles County: California Name of Property County and State
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualitying the property (Enter categories from instructions) for National Register listing)
COMMERCE
L A Property is associated with events that have made ARCHITECTURE a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
L B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
X: C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significance individual distinction. 1927-1944
- D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
¡Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply) Significant Dates 1927
Property is:
A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
Significant Person
- B removed from its original location. (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A
• C a birthplace or grave.
Cultural Affiliation
C D a cemetery.
CE a reconstructed building, object, or structure. N/A
C F a commemorative property.
• G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance Architect/Builder within the past 50 years. Austin Company of California (Architect/Builder) Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibilography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
• preliminary determination of individual listing (36 • State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested • Other State agency
• previously listed in the National Register L Federal agency • previously determined eligible by the National X Local government Register • University
• designated a National Historic Landmark • Other
• recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository:
#
Design & Historic Preservation Archives
• recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record # CITY OF PASADENA/Planning & Permitting Dept.
10350 10000 Cuts Approves la 1051-0018
Nationa Park Servictment of the interior
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 1of2 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena. Los Angeles County, CA
SIGNIFICANCE
The Howard Motor Company Building. constructed in 1927. is locally significant for its associations with the historic context. "Marketing and Servicing the Automobile (1902-1944)." under Criterion A in the area of Commerce and under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a locally significant example of the automobile showroom and the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The automobile industry in Pasadena. including the manufacturing as well as the marketing and servicing of the automobile. was an important segment of the local economy in the interwar years and had a profound impact on everyday life. The automobile showroom is important in the introduction and surge in automobile ownership in Pasadena for its role in promoting and servicing the early automobile. The Howard Motor Company Building has been in use as an automobile showroom since its construction in 1927 for the Howard Motor Company up to the present day.
The building remains vintually unaltered from its historic appearance. both on the exterior and in the significant interior spaces. and is one of the best and most intact examples of the automobile showroom in Pasadena. The building meets the registration requirements identified for automobile showrooms for "Early Automobile-Related Properties in Pasadena (1897-1944)." Distinct characteristics of the building, typical of its property type. include: a Period Revival. high-style showroom exterior and interior. with a theatrical use of design and ornamentation. for increased commercial identification and to establish an attractive setting for the automobile models on display: an expansive use of plate glass windows and entry doors extending across the entire Colorado Boulevard facade. permitting complete visibility and access to the showroom directly from the street: and a large. attached. utilitarian service garage at the rear of the building, with direct access to the side street. for servicing and support of automobile sales. The building is an accomplished example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. evident in its distinctive Churrigueresque facade and richly ornamented showroom interior.
Historical Background
In the interwar years. most of the automobile dealerships in Pasadena were located on Colorado Boulevard (then Colorado Street). and primarily in one of two groupings or so-called "auto rows": a two block stretch of West Colorado Boulevard. between Orange Grove Boulevard and the downtown; and several blocks of East Colorado Boulevard. berween Lake and Hill Avenues. in the then-geographic center of the city and at the edge of the eastward-expanding downtown. The Howard Motor Company Building was one of the several automobile dealerships and auto-related buildings located within a few blocks of each other along this stretch of East Colorado Boulevard.
With the considerable growth in the automobile industry in Pasadena and the need for larger and "more moder" facilities, automobile dealerships were typically at a particular location for only a few years before moving to other facilities: consequently, the individual auto showrooms were used by several different dealerships. The Howard Motor Company Building was built in 1927 for the Howard Motor Company (later called the Howard rP9 Form 10-8000 OuS Approval As 102N-0010
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 2 uf2 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Page
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena. Los Angeles County, CA
Automotive Company), a Buick dealership which had outgrown its facilities at 267 W. Colorado Boulevard (built 1917. significantly altered 1946). In 1938. the Howard Automotive Company moved to the Kindel Building at 1095 East Colorado Boulevard. just a few blocks away: and the Bush-Morgan Motor Company. a Packard dealership. moved from the Kindel Building to the auto showroom the Howard Motor Company had built and was leaving. The Bush-Morgan Motor Company (later the Morgan Motor Company) continued to occupy the building well into the 1950s. The building is still used as an automobile showroom today.
OMS Approvel Ma. 1004-0018
104 Fom 100000
• United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
9 1 of 1 MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
Section number Page
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA
MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
Advertisement for A. J. Bayer Company. "Ornamental Iron and Bronze Hollow Metal Doors." in Pacific Coust Architect. April 1928. p. 58.
Building Permit #4537D. City of Pasadena. March 5. 1927. "City of Pasadena Historic Context Statements." prepared by Pamela O'Connor for City of Pasadena. Design & Historic Preservation Section. draft 1992.
"Early Automobile-Related Properties in Pasadena (1897-194t)." National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Submission. prepared by Historic Resources Group and the City of Pasadena. Design & Historic Preservation Section. 1995.
"Grant Permit on Garage Building." in Pasadena Star-News. March 8. 1927.
Historical/Architectural Survey #31: Colorado Boulevard. City of Pasadena. Urban Conservation. 1987. "New Business Home for Automobile Agency Planned for Erection at Corner of Colorado and Chester." in Pasadena Star-News. March 26. 1927.
Pacific Coast Architect. September 1. 1928. p. 29.
*Wonderful Service Facilities Offered the Thousand of Buick Votor Car Owners in Pasadena at Extensive Plant of Howard Motor Company. One of Outstanding Enterprise." in Pusadena Star-News. March 8. 1928.
Howard Motor Company Building Los Angeles County. California Name of Property County and State
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property less than an acre
UTM References
(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheel.) 1L11 13/96|47:0377:8:7.601 3 L
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Nothing
2L1.
C) See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Description
(Descrbe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet) Boundary Justification
(Explain why the boundares were selected on a continuation sheel)
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Brian Goeken. AICP. Planner: Design & Historic Preservation Section/Planning Division organization CITY OF PASADENA/Planning & Permitting Dept. date 9/28/95 rev.1 12/96 street & number Hale Building, 175 N. Garfield Ave. - telephone (818) +05-4228 city or town _ Pasadena state_CA - zip code 91109-7215
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items
(Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
Property Owner
(Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)
name Frank Naiman. et. al.: Naiman Pasadena Partnership street & number. 2012 N. Normandie Ave. _ telephone (213) 662-1350 city or town - Los Angeles state CA - zip code - 90027
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 at sea.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. 9 Kom 10.000d Out Approvel Ma 1004-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
10 1 of l GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
Section number Page
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION
The nominated property is Parcel Number 5738-021-018.
BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION
The boundary includes the entire city parcel that historically has been associated with the property.
HOLLISTON HESTER WBON CATALNA
600
BL VO COLORADC
MR VISTA
AVE AVE AVE AVE
Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA
Howard Motor Company Building
PP9 Fo 100000 OMAS Approved Ma. 1024-0018
Urited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
1 of1 PHOTOGRAPHS
Section number Page -
Howard Motor Company Building
Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA
PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographer: City of Pasadena (Brian D. Gueken)
Date of Photographs: September 1995
Location of Original Negatives: Design & Historic Preservation Archives CITY OF PASADENA/Planning & Permitting Department
Description of Views:
1. Automobile Showroom and Attached Service Garage: Colorado Boulevard (south) and east elevations. -. Automobile Showroom: Colorado Boulevard elevation (primary facade).
3. Automobile Showroom: detail of Churrigueresque ornament. Colorado Boulevard elevation.
4. Automobile Showroom: detail of entry doors. Colorado Boulevard elevation.
5. Automobile Showroom: detail of chamfered corner and ornamental frieze. Colorado Boulevard elevation.
6. Service Garage: Chester Street (west) elevation.
7. Service Garage: rear (north) elevation.
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET
REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION
PROPERTY Howard Motor Company Building
NAME:
MULTIPLE Early Automobile-Related Properties in Pasadena MPS NAME:
STATE & COUNTY: CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles
DATE RECEIVED: 3/20/96 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 4/02/96
DATE OF 16TH DAY: 4/18/96 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 5/04/96
DATE OF WEEKLY LIST:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 96000422
NOMINATOR: STATE
REASONS FOR REVIEW:
N PERIOD:
REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL:
COMMENT WAIVER: N
ACCEPT RETURN REJECT DATE
ABSTRACT / SUMMARY COMMENTS:
The Howard Motor Company Building is significant under NR Criteria A and C (Commerce and Architecture) as a well-preserved local example of the automobile showroom property type, which emerged as a significant building form in Pasadena during the early growth and expansion years of the "automobile era." The handsome concrete and stucco Spanish Colonial Revival-style building features a theatrically decorated street elevation designed to both capture the attention of passing consumers and reflect the status and excitement of new automobile ownership.
RECOM. /CRITERIA Ascept A+C
REVIEWER PAUl B. LUSIGNAN DISCIPLINE HISTORIAN
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TELEPHONE - DATES 1e 90
DOCUMENTATION see attached comments see attached SIR Y/) 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER
IAMNOTASTALKER
Your definitive source to filming locations and all things Hollywood! JUNE 15, 2020 BY LINDSAY
The Howard Motor Company Building from
"The Mentalist"
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I always play tourist in my own town. Never was that more the case then when I resided in Pasadena. The area is so chock-full of notable locales, though, that sometimes it takes a newcomer to point them out. My friend Kim recently embarked upon her first visit to Crown City (it was socially-distanced, of course!) and in poring through the Facebook photos she posted that day, I was pleasantly surprised to see pics of the Howard Motor Company Building! Though Kim took note of the gorgeous structure immediately upon passing it, I drove by daily while living in Pasadena and even once witnessed The Mentalist filming on the premises, but somehow never dedicated a post to the place! So to the top of my To-Stalk List it went and I headed over there shortly thereafter. https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 1/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER [ad]
The Howard Motor Company Building was designed in 1927 by the Austin Company of California architecture firm.
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https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 2/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER The Spanish Colonial Revival-style structure served as an automobile showroom for the dealership through 1938, at which time the Busch-Morgan Motor Company moved in.
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JAMROTAS TALKENECONE
The stunning building continued to operate as a car gallery through at least 1996. https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 3/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER
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The ornate edifice, with its spectacular California Churrigueresque detailing, was intended to attract passersby traveling along the popular Route 66, get them to stop, and hopefully buy a new car. The concept certainly worked on my friend Kim who immediately pulled over to get a better look at the place.
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 4/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER IAMNOTASTALKER.COM
The Howard Motor Company Building is easily one of Pasadena's most beautiful structures.
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 5/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER SE
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The interior is just as incredible as the exterior!
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 6/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER AMNUTASTALKER.COM
Sadly, the property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been tenantless for pretty much as long as I remember, though it sometimes houses a Spirit Halloween store in the Fall.
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 7/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER TAMAOTASTALKER.COM
The long-term vacancy left it open for the filming of The Mentalist in November 2009. My dad and I happened to be driving by when the shoot was being set up and, of course, stopped to watch.
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 8/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER
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Though I don't have any photos from that day, we were invited inside to take a peek at the space with all of its glorious set dressing and, let me tell you, the Howard Motor Company Building was definitely ready for its close-up!
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 9/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER IAMNOTASTALKER.COM
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In the episode, Season 2's "Redline," which aired in February 2010, the site portrayed the supposed Marin County Zenith Motors showroom, where Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) and the CBI team investigated the murder of a woman found stuffed inside the trunk of a car.
The program showcased both the exterior...
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 10/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER ZENIT
MOTORS
THE MENTALIST
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….. and interior of the space to spectacular effect!
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 11/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER LE
THE MENTALIST
With the red carpeting, extensive foliage and up-lighting, the episode really gives us an idea of what the building must have looked like back in its heyday. https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 12/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER
THE MENTALIST
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Big THANK YOU to my friend Kim for reminding me of this location! For more stalking fun, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Los Angeles magazine, and Discover Los Angeles.
https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 13/14 2/18/22, 4:17 PM The Howard Motor Company Building from "The Mentalist" - IAMNOTASTALKER
HOWARD MOTOR COMPANY FROM
THE MENTALIST
IAMNOTASTALKER.COM
Until next time, Happy Stalking!
Stalk It: The Howard Motor Company Building, from the "Redline" episode of The Mentalist, is located at 1285 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. = tv LOCATIONS
# FAMOUS BUILDINGS, PASADENA, SIMON BAKER, THE MENTALIST https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2020/06/15/the-howard-motor-company-building-from-the-mentalist/ 14/14