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Pasadena California - San Rafael and Lower Arroyo Seco Information

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Pasadena Views Real Estate Team, Inc. BRE# 000872112

LOWER ARROYO SECO & SAN RAFAEL                   

In 1940s, the housing shortage in Pasadena led to the development of the San Rafael area and new residences were built that reflected the upper middle class and very wealthy families.

What is a surprise to many is that this residential area used to house the elaborate Busch Gardens which closed its doors in 1937. 

This area is quite diverse and is known for its famed "Millionaire'Row" condo complexes on Orange Grove, stately estates on Grand Avenue and very rustic and quaint hills of San Rafael.

READ MORE:  Everything you wanted to know about Pasadena Neighborhoods

Colorado Street Bridge (1912-1913)

This is one of the most graceful and beautiful bridges in the area.  This curving bridge is made out of reinforced concrete.  It was restored in the 1990s and spans nearly 1,500 feet.  It connects Old Pasadena to the San Rafael Hills and Eagle Rock.

Vista del Arroyo Hotel (1920)

125 S. Grand Avenue.

The federal government acquired this Sylvanus Marston designed resort hotel to use as a military hospital.  It is now used as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

La Casita del Arroyo (1933)

177 S Arroyo Blvd.

La Casita Sign

La Casita del Arroyo

Designed by Myron Hunt at no charge, this structure was built using Arroyo stone and lumber from bicycle tracks built at the Rose Bowl for the 1932 Olympics.

Batchelder House (1909)

626 S Arroyo Blvd.

Batchelder House in Pasadena

Ernest Batchelder is a famed artisan known around Pasadena for his beautiful decorative tiles around the fireplaces.  These tiles became emblematic of the Arts & Crafts movement.  Batchelder's kiln remains in the backyard of this lovely home, and the discerning viewer can see examples of his tile work from the street.

Wrigley Mansion (1911)

391 S Orange Grove Avenue

Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley Mansion

This ornate mansion built for the chewing-gum mogul William Wringley, who controlled the development of Catalina island.  It is now home to Pasadena's Tournament of Roses.

Church of the Angels (1889)

1100 Avenue 64

Church of the Angels

Church of the Angels

This church was commissioned by the widow of Alexander Campbell-Johnston, the developer of Rancho San Rafael, and designed by the British architect Arthur Edmund Street to memorialize her husband.

Pergola House (1910)

1025 S. Arroyo Blvd.

Pergola House

Remnants of Busch Gardens are incorporated into a home built consdierably later.

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Posted By: Irina Netchaev - Pasadena California Real Estate Agent - Irina Netchaev & Associates.  Irina and her Team of Real Estate experts work in the beautiful Keller Williams Realty in Pasadena California specializing in Pasadena Real Estate, San Marino Real Estate, South Pasadena Real Estate, San Gabriel Real Estate, Altadena Real Estate, Alhambra Real Estate, Monterey Hills Real Estate, Arcadia Real Estate, Sierra Madre Real Estate and surrounding communities.

(626) 204-3340

Katrina Madewell
Charles Rutenberg Rlty- More than 5,000 agents(813) 777-1196 - Tampa, FL
Tampa FL Homes for sale | Tampa Bay - (813) 777-1196

WOW Irena, I totally learned something new today about your area.

I bet your Busch Gardens doesn't stack up against ours here in Tampa Bay (smile)

Very enjoyable post!

Your friend in Tampa, FL  Katrina Madewell

Jun 25, 2008 04:59 PM
Irina Netchaev
Pasadena Views Real Estate Team, Inc. - Pasadena, CA
Pasadena CA Real Estate

Katrina, thanks for stopping by!  You are right about the Busch Gardens.  We no longer have them here.  So sad... :-)

Jun 25, 2008 05:07 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

What a beautiful area, Irina. You are so knowledgeable about the area and convey so much information. Love the photos, and what a cool bridge. I have heard so many good things about Pasadena, I guess I will need to get there some day.

Jeff

Jun 25, 2008 06:42 PM
Irina Netchaev
Pasadena Views Real Estate Team, Inc. - Pasadena, CA
Pasadena CA Real Estate

Jeff, the really great thing about this neighborhood is that it's situated next to South Lake district.  South Lake is known for its trendy shops and delicious restaurants.  You can literally avoid getting into the car for weeks!

Jun 26, 2008 04:01 AM