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Pasadena Star News: ‘Panel OKs Raymond Condos’
posted by
Ross Melnick
on
November 17, 2005 at 5:08 am
PASADENA, CA — After a tireless effort to save the majestic Raymond Theatre by the Friends of the Raymond Theatre, the Pasadena Star News is reporting, “The city’s Design Commission has given Gene Buchanan the green light to convert the historic Raymond Theatre into condominiums and office space, dealing a heavy blow to those who want to see the 1921 theater restored.”
Although the panel voted to approve Buchanan’s plan 5-3, an appeal can still be filed.
Comments (10)
This is a heartbreaking decision.
SHAME.
From the New York Times editorial on the demolition of Pennsylvania Station in 1963:
“Any city gets what it admires, will pay for, and, ultimately, deserves. Even when we had Penn Station, we couldn’t afford to keep it clean. We want and deserve tin-can architecture in a tinhorn culture. And we will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed.”
A dark day indeed, and a big black eye on the City of Pasadena.
“We will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed.” That is one of my favorite quotes, and it still holds true today. It is a shame that 40 years after the destruction of Penn Station, which started the preservation movement and lead to the creation of the National Register of Historic Places, that these things still take place
I noticed on the Raymond Theater’s website a picture of the Raymond’s auditorium and the organ console. Does anyone know if the organ will be sold?
This is somewhat of a surprise. Aside from the specific issue of the Raymond Theater, there has been a general feeling in Pasadena that the extensive condo construction of recent years has gone too far and has changed the character of the City for the worse.
The developer may get his just deserts. Design Commission approval is not a building permit. That might take another 6 months. Beginning construction in an era of rising interest rates and a declining housing market can be a recipe for disaster.
A sad commentary how profit and greed still can win and step on the
cultural preservation and needs of a community. There are people who have intelligence, but unfortunately lack social sensitivity.
“Although the panel voted to approve Buchanan’s plan 5-3 an appeal can still be filed.” FIGHT ON!
I watch the Rose Parade every year, but this January 1, 2006 I will view the City of Pasadena in a much different light, unfortunately!
James Moule: Well said!
I thought Pasadena would side with the Raymond’s preservation, given the advanced sensitivity toward the arts that liberals in that state seem to be blessed with. Maybe the left isn’t so high-minded when money comes knocking.