Historic Charm At The Barcelona Condos in Pasadena
85 North Madison Avenue Pasadena 91101
This is a real estate market activity report for The Barcelona condominium complex. I am sharing activity in the complex so far in 2017 along with a recap of closed transactions for the previous four years. Statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the historic Pasadena condo complex
The Barcelona is located at 85 North Madison Avenue (northwest corner of Union Street) in the Pasadena Playhouse District not far from Pasadena City Hall. Formerly own-your-own apartments and now condominiums, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Enter the circa 1922 building through a controlled access intercom and find the lobby with its original reception desk which opens to an intimate salon. With its high ceiling, hardwood floors and abundant windows, it invites the opportunity to linger and reflect.
The Barcelona consists of studio and one bedroom units. They range in approximate size from under 300 to nearly 1000 square feet. While many of the units here redefine the word compact, the location and the historic aspect of the building are the draw. The period birdcage elevator adds to the old world ambiance. Does the description have you dreaming of wanting to own 
a historic pied-a-terre in Pasadena? Then The Barcelona might be a good choice for you.
Don’t expect to find in-unit laundry connections but there are common laundry facilities in the basement where you will also find a small storage area. There is an on-site manager and parking is off-site(separate monthly fee). While you won’t find a pool or spa as part of the amenities, the historic architecture makes for a distinctive presence.
The location, just north of Colorado Boulevard and the annual Rose Parade route, ensures residents are close to so much of what makes Pasadena so appealing: Playhouse District, Paseo Colorado, South Lake Avenue and Old Pasadena. With its central location, The Barcelona is highly convenient to transportation(freeway and light rail) as well as museums, restaurants, shops and boutiques, theaters and much more.
There is currently one unit available for sale at The Barcelona. This is a top floor corner unit with approximately 924 square feet. Newly listed at $588,000 the unit sold in late 2016 for $397,500 in an all cash transaction. I look forward to seeing the transformation. There have been no sales reported in our mls so far in 2017.
There were four mls-reported in 2016(a particularly active year) ranging from $297,500 to $397,500 with an average sales price of $337,500(median sales price $327,500). They sold at 97.61% of last list price and for $468.10 per square foot on average for the year.
There was one closed transaction reported in 2015. A third floor residence with approximately 772 square feet closed for $350,000(list price $355,000) in May.
There were two sales in 2014. One was a top floor corner studio unit with approximately 487 square feet which closed for $270,000. The other featured about 700 square feet and sold for $379,000.
There were also two sales in 2013. A top floor unit with no common walls and approximately 772 square feet sold for $375,000 and a studio unit(about 472 square feet) closed for $205,000.
As you will discover at The Barcelona -- condition, quality of renovations/restoration(if any), emotional appeal and timing are important factors to consider for those interested in either selling or buying. Obviously the size of the units will not be the right fit for everyone. I admit to being fascinated with the small home movement and have somewhat of an obsession(but not in a creepy, stalker-kind of way, mind you) with Marie Kondo and her KonMari philosophy.
Whether your tastes lean to historic properties, something more modern or perhaps an entirely different style --- let me act as your guide and advisor for Pasadena real estate. I can be reached at 818.516.4393 cell. Let's discuss what is important to you.
Published: August 5, 2017
Historic Charm At The Barcelona Condos in Pasadena
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