Castle Green, among Pasadena’s most cherished architectural treasures, will culminate its 125th-anniversary celebrations with an expanded holiday tour on December 8, offering visitors unprecedented access to 21 private residences — including several units never before open to the public.
“The holiday tour began, I believe, in the mid to late nineties as a way of creating a fundraising opportunity for the building for restoration, as well as an opportunity for the public in Pasadena to come in and take a look inside day-to-day. We are a completely private building and gated, and so it is one of two opportunities a year to come inside and see the building as well as the residential units,” explains Tatiana Joyet, Director of Events at Castle Green.
Built in 1898 as Pasadena’s first fireproof building, Castle Green showcases a unique blend of Moorish, Spanish, and Victorian architectural styles.
The building, designed by architect Frederick I. Roehrig, features distinctive elements including domes, arches, pillars, balconies, and verandahs. It houses 50 individually owned condominium units and retains many original features, including the West Coast’s oldest wrought-iron, man-operated elevator.
“We have 21 units open this year… We have units that have never been open before. We have a few people who are opening their units for the very first time, or they’re the first people to ever open their units,” Joyet shares, highlighting the exceptional access offered this year.
The year-long anniversary celebration, which began in January with a private event followed by a March gala, has coincided with significant restoration achievements.
“One of the projects that they most recently completed last year was the Lantern project where they recreated working with some artists, all of the glass lanterns that are on our veranda as well as in our sunroom, which was a huge project that took, I think over 15 years to complete,” Joyet notes.
Current restoration efforts focus on the building’s three domes, with the bridge dome recently restored while two others await funding.
The event promises a festive atmosphere blending historical appreciation with holiday cheer.
“Castle Green was the place for the holiday party, and we tried to continue that tradition by really making our holiday tour the party of the season,” says Joyet.
Features include carol singers returning for the first time since pre-COVID and various holiday activities including a DJ and photo booth. While the ground floor will host holiday festivities, the upper floors will showcase decorated private residences and never-before-seen artifacts.
Current residents actively participate in preservation efforts, with several units recently completing restoration work. Some homeowners have undertaken detailed work to recreate original moldings and woodwork, demonstrating the community’s commitment to maintaining historical authenticity.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as both a State Historical Monument and a Pasadena Treasure.
The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Day-of tickets are priced at $70, subject to availability. Parking is available at School House Parking Structure and Del Mar Station, with elevator service limited to those needing handicap access.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://castlegreen.com/
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