Premiering Sunday, February 27th
Drive-yourself Tour - Three Early Communities
Three of our earliest neighborhoods contain some of Pasadena’s best architect-designed homes, including those by Charles and Henry Greene, Alfred and Arthur Heineman, Frank Lloyd Wright, George Washington Smith, Sylvanus Marston, and more. What was once called “Millionaire’s Row” with an abundance of Victorian-style mansions remains a beautiful boulevard with expansive lawns and garden apartments and echos of the past. Drive the route that begins the world’s most famous parade and learn about its transformation and contributions to building Pasadena’s community.
Tours may be taken at anytime by downloading a PDF list of addresses with brief written descriptions or by downloading the izi TRAVEL app and listening to the guide on your favorite mobile device.
In-person Tour - Macy's Pasadena (formerly Bullock's Pasadena), the Nation's First Post-war Suburban Department Store
Pasadena Heritage has watched over this store since 1978 and nominated Bullock’s, now Macy’s to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The landmark building received several awards, including an Award of Merit in 1950, and in 1952 the Pasadena Chapter of the American Institute of Architects declared it as one of the “outstanding examples of architecture constructed over the last half century.” Designed to be a plush department store with the atmosphere of a home or an exclusive country club, the Late Modern building includes murals, fireplaces, art tile, and many rare woods.
Knowledgeable docents will guide the tours. The staff at Macy’s will be available to meet and greet guests and present gift bags to all tour attendees. Reserve a tour time between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Groups are limited, so reserve your time early.
Premiering Sunday, March 27th
Drive-yourself Tour - Pasadena Homes Designed by Paul R. Williams
This tour explores the work of Paul R. Williams, and his incredible career as a pioneering Black architect. Williams was the first African American member and fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a dominant force in Southern California architecture. Known as an “Architect to the Stars,” he was much more interested in providing livable homes for all people. We have selected several of his Pasadena homes to drive by on this self-guided tour.
Tours may be taken at anytime by downloading a PDF list of addresses with brief written descriptions or by downloading the izi TRAVEL app and listening to the guide on your favorite mobile device.
In-person Tour of the Civic Center designed for the "Athens of the West"
A City Beautiful Association in Pasadena was formed in 1914, but it wasn’t until George Ellery Hale began pressing the idea of a true “civic center” with the City Board of Directors that actual planning began. Hale, a well-known and respected astronomer, founded the Mt. Wilson Observatory and was a leading scientific mind at Caltech. Hale was a force of nature, a man with boundless energy, cosmopolitan tastes, and substantial powers of persuasion. He conceived of Pasadena as an “Athens of the West,” with fine scientific, educational, and cultural amenities. This tour is the culmination of Hale’s vision for our city.
Knowledgeable docents will guide the tours. Sign up for a tour time between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Groups are limited, so reserve your time early. Additional times may be added as tour groups become full.
Pasadena Heritage would like to thank our sponsors.
For sponsor information please contact Kristen Norton, Development Director, by emailing [email protected].
