Eligibility Determination for Landmark Designation at Roosevelt Middle School Called for Review

The eligibility determination of a landmark designation application for the property at 315 North Pasadena Ave. has been called for review by the Historic Preservation Commission following a request from Commissioner Juan de la Cruz.

Roosevelt Middle School was closed in 2020.

The school District voted last year to build housing for teachers at the site. The project would create affordable housing for District employees. Families attending local schools would not be eligible to rent the units.

In 2023, a workforce housing survey revealed a significant need for affordable housing options for Pasadena Unified School District employees in Pasadena.

Rene Gonzalez filed the application for landmark status. Gonzales opposed the closure of the school and attempted to recall one Board member.

“This application was submitted with new information and analysis following staff’s determination on your previous application for landmark designation that the property did not meet the criteria for designation, and the failure of a request for a call for review of staff’s determination,” said Planning Director Jennifer Paige, in a letter to Gonzales. “The new analysis submitted includes an argument and analysis in response to landmark designation Criterion C. After visiting the site, reviewing the new information submitted with your application and the Los Angeles Unified School District Historic Context Statement (1870-1969) cited in your application and researching information about the building, its architect and its former occupants, staff has determined that the property does not meet the criteria for designation as a landmark.”

If the Commission votes to review the eligibility, a de novo review will be conducted, meaning the original decision will be set aside and the entire application will be examined as a new proposal.

Since the call for review was made, no new information has been submitted by the applicant.