Porsche Dealership Proposal Advances in Pasadena Despite Initial Concerns – Pasadena Now
A proposal for a new Porsche dealership in Pasadena is set to undergo Concept Design Review by the city's Design Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The project, proposed by Rusnak Pasadena, would transform a 4.4-acre site at East Colorado Blvd. and North Sunnyslope Ave.
The Design Commission's review marks the latest step in the city's approval process that has highlighted tensions between commercial development and local planning guidelines.
The project has already navigated several hurdles, including initial objections from preservationists and members of the Planning Commission.
Last May, the Planning Commission recommended denying crucial aspects of the project, citing concerns about pedestrian-oriented design and compatibility with local guidelines. They voted 5-2 to recommend denying the Conditional Use Permit for vehicle sales and leasing, and 4-3 against new construction over 25,000 square feet.
The City Council overrode these objections on July 15, approving the Conditional Use Permit and allowing the project to proceed. The Council also adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project's environmental review and approved a Minor Variance for a greater corner setback.
In response to earlier critiques, Rusnak has made several concessions to improve the project's integration with the surrounding area. The company collaborated with ArtCenter College of Design to incorporate a public art installation at the front of the lot.
The decision to retain and reuse a portion of the existing Swanson and Peterson Furniture Manufacturing building at the north end of the site, excluding later eastern additions, partially addressed preservationists' concerns. The project also now includes enhanced landscaping and paving designs to improve the pedestrian experience.
The proposal includes the construction of a new 61,370 square-foot auto sales and service building, along with a 4,864 square-foot automated car wash. These contemporary-style structures will replace several existing commercial buildings on the site.
To accommodate the new development, the city has approved the vacating of a portion of Nina Street from Sunnyslope Ave. to its eastern terminus. This street closure is necessary to allow for the planned building footprint.
For the Design Commission meeting on Tuesday, the Planning and Community Development Department has recommended approval of the application, subject to certain conditions related to building design and landscaping. These include further study of the retaining wall along East Colorado Blvd. and reconsideration of the planting palette.
The Planning Department's report said Rusnak has worked to balance Porsche's corporate design standards with local planning and design guidelines throughout the approval process. The city, in turn, has sought to weigh the economic benefits of retaining a significant local business against adherence to established urban planning principles.
Tuesday's meeting of the Design Commission is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chamber at City Hall.
