A Greene & Greene house on the market is news. These babies aren't available every day. And this one has added cachet, because since 1985 it's been the home of the Planetary Society. They're selling it now but they're not in a hurry. You know, time is relative.This L.A. Times article sports a lovely photo of the facade and gives atmospheric descriptions of the interiors. It also tells a brief history of the house. When it was built in 1903 it had a Colorado Blvd. address. It was moved to its current location on Catalina Avenue in the 1930's. (It's generally worth it to move a Greene & Greene rather than tear it down, or so I've heard.)
The Georgiana Rodiger Center shares some of this space (and it's a whomping huge space). I suspect the site is zoned for offices, so the new owner may not get to live here. But hey, lately Pasadena real estate's been revolving around multi-use properties, so perhaps there's a chance.
The Planetary Society was founded in 1980 by, among others, astronomer Carl Sagan. (I can still hear his voice describing "billions and billions" of galaxies.) The Society is dedicated to "exploring the solar system and seeking life beyond Earth." An interesting cluster of folks, no doubt. Their website is fascinating. They even have a blog.
When I first saw the sign in front of the house I thought, "these are the guys who messed with Pluto." But they're not. These are the guys who messed with Pluto.
Update: Marie Taylor, the RE agent selling this lovely building, added a comment to let me know the advertised price was incorrect. The asking price is actually $2.1 million and, contrary to the article, the sellers are motivated! If anyone would like a tour or would like to know more about this historic Greene & Greene building, call 626.285.2532.
14 comments:
I'm glad the Plan. Society is trying to unload This Old House. It seems over the past few years it's been showing it's age more.
I hope the new owner will be a good owner who can give this TLC & regular maintenance.
Note: The dwelling faces true North....
The house does look heavenly.
It looks a little wobbly on its axis. But it's very endearing. I can't decide. I'm feeling nebulous about it.
Maybe so, Cafe. I should've asked for a tour but I was shy. It would be nice to see inside.
Pascal Jim: that's an interesting fact. The photo in the LA Times article would show the north face, then. My pic would be more the east side.
Hee hee, Dina. You too, Shell.
Fab house! However reading about the stratospheric asking price and all the repairs necessary brought me back to earth. I especially wouldn't want to continually clean that copper sink.
You need to start blaming all us demanding readers and ask to see the insides of some of these houses. I'm really curious about this one!
Funny post! (Looks like some of the facade may not be original?)
I wonder why they are moving?
Petrea - something for you to see over at Cheltenham!
Plutocrats! Think everything revolves around them. Next time I'm down there, I'll moon 'em.
You're right, Katie. I just need to be bolder. I'll use you as an excuse.
Looks original to me, Hiker. I took it from a funny angle.
Margaret, the Times article says the Planetary Society's board feels their money is better used in a more modern building, rather than tied up in maintaining this one.
Lynn, I'm working on it. I have my first draft in process.
J...
GAH! Miss H, I know, I know. It's one of a kind, as are you.
Hi everyone,
I'm Marie Taylor, the RE agent selling this lovely building. Unfortunately the ads in the newspapers quoted the price wrong. The asking price is $2.1 million and they are motivated! If anyone would like a tour or would like to know more about this historic Greene & Greene building please do not hesitate to call. 626.285.2532
Hi Marie, thank you for commenting. I like to be accurate here! I'll update the post with your comments. It is indeed a special building. Thank you!
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