McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
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earl selkin
Saturday, March 11, 2023 1:42 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Item 15 3/13 agenda, personal comment
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Mayor Gordo and Members of the Pasadena City Council:
I am not concerned enough with this designation to spend more time opposing it than this note will take. I think that historic presen/ation becomes a meaningless exercise when it includes a building like 731 E. Washington. While it may be an early or first example of a type of utilitarian structure with some minimal architectural flair, this well- maintained building is not significantly different from Dermejian Auto 1899 E. Washington and tons of similar auto shops. Truly historical and distinctive buildings should be preserved-Pacific Asia Museum, The Gamble House, Friendship Baptist Church—this particular monument to the ordinary does not require or deserve this designation.
Carl Selkin
Resident, District 5
Sent from Mail for Windows
3/13/2023
Item 15
1 HERITAGE
PRESERVATION I ADVOCACY I EDUCATION
March 10, 2023
Pasadena City Council
City of Pasadena
100 North Garfeld Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
160 NORTH OAKLAND AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91101-1714
RECEIVED
P 626.441.6333
28?3fttArtTTWR8: 46
CSTY
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Re: Designation of 731 E. Washington Blvd. and 489 E. Colorado Blvd.
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
Pasadena h-leritage supports the designation of these two properties as landmarks.
Pasadena Heritage is pleased that the charming art deco drive-in market at 73 I E.
Washington Blvd., designed by Glenn Elwood Smith, will be landmarked and preserved for posterity. Although this a simple building and has been altered, it still retains all seven aspects of historic integrity. We think it would make an excellent landmark and will preserve an relatively uncommon building type Pasadena s development history. We are supportive of plans to rehabilitate the building and hope the garage bays can be replaced with a more traditional storefront glazing system. We believe a mixed-use project at this site would contribute to the walkability and livability of the surrounding area, much more so than the previous auto body shop.
The Harr/ Fitzgerald Building, at 489. E Colorado Blvd., is an excellent example ofBennett & Haskell's attention to detail and delicate designs. The building is already a contributor to the Pasadena Playhouse National Register h-listoric District and Pasadena Heritage has held an easement on the property since 201 I. We commend Mr. Curry for nominating the building, h-1e has been an excellent steward of the property. Although this one-block stretch of Colorado Boulevard east of Los Robles Avenue is often overlooked, it contains a collection of various shops built primarily to serve the nearby Maryland Hotel. Although the hotel is long departed, the class and dignity of this most exclusive men's clothing store remains and contributes to the now lively Playhouse Village.
For these reasons, Pasadena h-leritage fully supports both designations. We ask the City Council to declare both properties as Pasadena City Landmarks.
Sincerely,
Andrew Salimian
Preservation Director
PR E S E RVATI0 NA D VO C AC YT i n
s 3/1^2023
Item 15 & 16