City Rolls Out and Launches “Historic Places Pasadena: Completing Our Story” Project

During a special meeting of the Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Planning and Community Development Department, in collaboration with a team of consultants led by Historic Resources Group, launched the “Historic Places Pasadena: Completing Our Story” project. 

The project, directed by the City Council, aims to identify historic resources within Pasadena that have not yet been officially designated.

The launch also introduced a community engagement plan, outlining a program to ensure that diverse histories and resources important to the community are considered in the project. The initiative represents a significant step towards preserving and acknowledging the rich and varied history of Pasadena.

City Principal Planner Kevin Johnson said the project will begin with the preparation of a written history which is called the Historic Context Statement. 

It will be followed by a two-phase city-wide survey to identify potential historic places in the city. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

“The success of the project is going to rely heavily on how much we are able to get out into the community and learn from the people who have lived here for a long time or who have particular expertise or knowledge about the history of Pasadena and in particular the hidden stories that haven’t been documented,” Christine Lazzaretto, HRG Managing Principal said at the recent Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

Lazzaretto said they will be needing volunteer community connectors who will help with the project. 

Staff has defined community connectors as members of the community and who will help staff identify people in the community who want to share their stories. 

Johnson said the members of community may participate in the project by submitting information about places that they feel to be important or stories that they feel important for the city through the website: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/design-and-historic-preservation/historic-preservation/historic-places/

Johnson expressed hopes that the Historic Preservation Commission will be a partner in the project.

“We hope you will be key partners with our outreach effort as well as identifying sources for aspects of history that we have not previously covered, people that can talk to inform us of all aspects of stories, histories that you believe should be included in our studies and subject matter areas.”

According to Johnson, the Planning and Community Development Department will continue posting about the project on social media weekly. 

Johnson said the department is also looking to schedule a large-scale community meeting about the project in January.