Trees and historic homes once lined the streets north of Colorado Blvd., but much of Pasadena was obliterated when the 210 freeway divided the city. If you look along the edges of the gash, you can find traces of what once was. One vestige is the 1890-ish Ingrid Adams James House at 433 Martelo Avenue.
See yesterday's post to find out more about the Before the Bungalow home tour sponsored by Pasadena Heritage. During the lecture, we learned about architectural styles. This one's Queen Anne. To find this big, fabulous old house in the plain ol' normal 20th-Century neighborhood that grew up around it is like finding a rose growing out of cement. A house like this in a neighborhood like this makes you wonder what we lost when the freeway came.
Like the other houses on the tour, I wasn't allowed to take photographs on the property (except the Adobe, see yesterday's post). However, there are plenty of this one on the web, at least of the loft studio.
I was surprised to learn that Ingrid Adams James never owned the home. She rented there for 22 years until 2005, when the then-current owner applied to the city for landmark status, describing his desire to name the home after her.
Pasadena Heritage presents historical and architectural tours and events throughout the year. Check out their event calendar for more. This group is a powerful protector of our local architectural treasures, which makes them a treasure in themselves.
13 comments:
Who'd have expected a house like this in that area? Truly a rose growing out of the cement, the remnant of a planned, high-class neighborhood separate from Pasadena, with palm trees lining the streets. Can you remember the name, Petrea? The lovely turret room now has a view toward the mountains on one side, and a view over the 210 freeway and Metro train line on the other. I'm glad I didn't live in Pasadena when that freeway gashed its way through the city, I'd have been heartbroken. On the upside, watching the traffic snarl-ups mornings (heading west) and evenings (heading east) would provide entertainment.
Your first sentence is a grand one. Your image makes me wish they might hire you to take images for Pasadena Heritage files.
The name of the street is Martelo Avenue, Bellis, is that what you mean? I don't remember the name of the planned neighborhood--I didn't get that part!
Thank you, LH. Pasadena Heritage already owns many fine images, but it can't hurt to add to the files. A building looks different from year to year.
Why is it I've never heard of or seen this one??? It's gorgeous!!! And what a tribute to Ingrid!!! I love this tour!!!
I thought the same thing, Chieftess. It's a divided residential side street that gets little traffic. I had never gone down it before.
Wow....just fabulous. I have never seen this house either. Clicked on all the links and enjoyed it all. Thanks, Petrea.
I think I could settle for that one.
The docent I listened to said that three streets south of E. Villa were part of an early development that was later incorporated into Pasadena. The streets were Lilo, Martelo and Vista. Martelo and Vista still have lovely palm trees in the center median. I'm drawing a blank when I try to find out more. I'm sure Michael Coppess (East of Allen blog) would know.
The Pasadena Heritage docents are so full of great information it's impossible to remember it all. I don't know how they do it.
How odd to see this, because I was taking some pictures here a couple of days ago. It's this little land that time forgot -- a bit forlorn, but nice, kind of funky. Reminds me of the children's book Gone Away Lake.
You can just see what a fab hangout this would have been in 1969.
Back to your pix. PH does a great job catching all the architectural detail - very formal. Your pictures bring a bit of warmth, humor, and whimsy to the party.
Thanks, LH. You're giving me ideas.
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