Pasadena Architectural Jewels II (Self Guided), Pasadena

Saint Andrew's Catholic Church in Pasadena stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark within the region. Founded in 1886, it is the oldest Catholic parish in Pasadena and one of the earliest in Los Angeles County. The church is particularly noted for its striking Romanesque Revival campanile bell tower, a prominent feature in Pasadena’s skyline.

The current church structure, completed in 1927, showcases an architectural design inspired by early Christian churches of the Byzantine era. The interior of the church draws its inspiration from the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome, reflecting its classical and spiritual ambiance, while the façade is modeled after the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, also in Rome. These influences were meticulously studied and incorporated by the architect Ross Montgomery and the church's pastor, Msgr. McCarthy, traveled to Italy to research early Byzantine architecture. Their collaborative efforts have been praised for creating a building that not only serves as a place of worship but also as a monument to their dedication and vision.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful and important churches in Southern California, Saint Andrew's Church embodies a blend of historical reverence and architectural grandeur, making it a beacon of cultural and spiritual heritage in Pasadena. The Los Angeles Times has lauded the church as a lasting tribute to the memories of Montgomery and McCarthy, solidifying its status as a pivotal edifice in the architectural landscape of the area.

Pasadena City Hall, an architectural gem completed in 1927, stands as a prime example of the City Beautiful movement which aimed to introduce beautification and monumental grandeur in urban planning. The movement reached Pasadena in the early 1920s, culminating in the approval of a $3.5 million bond in 1923 by residents for the creation of a civic center, with the City Hall as its cornerstone.

Designed by the San Francisco-based firm Bakewell and Brown, Pasadena City Hall embodies a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. This architectural masterpiece was completed on December 27, 1927. It occupies a grand footprint of 361 feet by 242 feet and rises to six stories. The structure is noted for its over 235 rooms and passageways that span more than 170,000 square feet. A significant feature is its majestic dome, measuring 26 feet tall and 54 feet in diameter, positioned above the west entrance.

Beyond its administrative function, Pasadena City Hall has also gained acclaim as a picturesque location for film and television productions. It has portrayed various settings in films and series, including a Napa Valley town square in "A Walk in the Clouds" (1995), an embassy in the "Mission: Impossible" series, and a villa in Charlie Chaplin’s "The Great Dictator" (1940). Additionally, it represents the fictional city hall of Pawnee, Indiana, in the popular TV show "Parks and Recreation." This iconic building not only serves as a hub of government but also as a cultural landmark, celebrated both for its historical significance and its role in the arts.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Pasadena, California, is a striking architectural landmark built in 1925. It exemplifies the Moderne and Zig Zag Moderne styles, which were avant-garde for the time, showcasing features such as guardian sphinxes at its entrance. This building is not just an architectural feat but also a piece of social history, closely linked to the Scottish Rite, an appendant body of Freemasonry.

Designed by architects Joseph J. Blick and W.C. Crowell, the cathedral cost approximately $300,000 and was celebrated for its lavish furnishings. It was officially dedicated on February 18, 1925, in a grand ceremony attended by around 1700 high-degree Masons and their families. Joseph Blick, known for his contributions to residential architecture in Pasadena, marked a significant achievement with this project.

Despite its historical and architectural significance, the building was not listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the owner's objection, although it was deemed eligible in 1984. This cathedral continues to serve the Scottish Rite organization and is a venue for various events, including musical and dramatic performances.

Adding to its mystique, the steps of the Scottish Rite Cathedral were the scene of an unsolved 1930s murder. Leonard Seiver, a well-known dentist and playboy, was fatally shot near the sphinxes. Despite extensive investigations involving the questioning of 700 young men, the murderer was never apprehended.

Today, the cathedral remains a prominent fixture in Pasadena, reflecting both the grandeur and the intriguing history of its time.

The Pasadena Playhouse is California's state theater and has welcomed audiences with top-notch entertainment for over 100 years. This theater's auditorium seats 686 in a building constructed in Spanish Colonial Revival-style. Many of the plays by top playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Tennessee Williams premiered at this theater.

This theater stands out because of its superior acoustics and stage design that helped it become an early pioneer in community theater. Taking a tour of the theater is a perfect way to learn valuable insights about its history and the actors who helped make it famous. Visiting the green room provides an exciting look into all the preparation required for actors to get ready when appearing on-stage.

Another exciting part of the tour is a visit to a Craftsman-style library that offers all kinds of exciting information. The decor inside the auditorium area reflects the building's 1920s origins. This theater also boasts modern lighting and other effects that bring the sets to life.

The Robert R. Blacker House, also known as the Blacker House or Robert Roe Blacker House in Pasadena, enjoys status on the National Register of Historic Places. This unique home was constructed in 1907, and each part of the home features custom designs. A major restoration took place between 1994 and 1999.

Some of the highlights of the home's construction include Douglas fir and California redwood. The design used for this home incorporates many of the elements used in Japanese homes. Some of the key features include windows that allow for natural lighting and a cross-ventilation layout that allows more cool air in.

The Blacker House has a claim to fame because of its use in the Back to the Future movies. In the movies, the house provided the interior shots for scenes that took place in Doc's house. Even though many of the interior items seen did not survive the renovation, visitors may still tour the grounds.

This house is worth visiting to see the grounds and appreciate the artistry that went into its construction.