Unit Development Plan Would Reshape Key Pasadena Corner – Pasadena Now

A prominent intersection in Pasadena's Central District may soon transform with the addition of a seven-story mixed-use development, bringing new housing and retail space to an evolving neighborhood corridor.

The Pasadena Design Commission will review the preliminary plans at its meeting Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.

ACEM LLC has proposed an 88,285-square-foot project for 80-100 N. Lake Avenue that would create 74 residential units and nearly 7,500 square feet of street-level commercial space.

The development would replace two aging commercial buildings at the southeast corner of North Lake Avenue and Union Street.

The contemporary design features dark metal panels and white stucco rising from a beige brick base, with retail spaces wrapping around three street frontages: Lake Avenue, Union Street, and Boston Court. Recessed entries would provide separate access points for commercial tenants and residents.

For residents, the project includes several communal spaces: a double-height lobby, an 800-square-foot courtyard on the third floor, and a seventh-floor patio. The residential units, ranging from one to three bedrooms, would be arranged as flats throughout the upper floors. The seventh floor's stepped-back design on the southern edge creates private terraces for select units.

The development's location places it within walking distance of two historic districts — 900 feet from Green Street Village and 1,500 feet from the Pasadena Playhouse district. This proximity has drawn attention from city planners, who note the need for careful consideration of the project's architectural compatibility with nearby historic properties, including the Constance Hotel and the iconic Pashgian Rugs sign.

The site's current occupants — commercial buildings dating from 1946 and 1967 — require historical evaluation before demolition can proceed.

The surrounding area features an eclectic mix of businesses, including a service station, mattress store, and restaurant, alongside the recently completed five-story Boston Court apartment complex.

While this initial Design Commission consultation won't include a formal vote, it represents a crucial first step in the city's multi-phase approval process, which will ultimately require both concept and final design reviews before construction can begin.