Five Caltrans Properties Along Former 710 Route in South Pasadena Could Soon Be Available for Purchase

[Updated]  Caltrans is currently in escrow with the city of South Pasadena on five vacant historic properties. The sale of these properties to the city requires the approval of the California Transportation Commission (CTC). Once the CTC approves the sale, Caltrans will complete the sale of the homes to the city of South Pasadena.

The properties are located at 216 Fairview Ave., 217 Fremont Ave., 225 Fremont Ave., 1707 Meridian Ave., and 726 Meridian Ave.

Each of these homes includes authentic design elements of a time gone by, such as Craftsman Bungalow, Spanish Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles. 

The availability of the historic properties in South Pasadena was made possible by the passage of Senate Bill 381 in 2021, authored by State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents the 25th District, which includes South Pasadena and Pasadena.

Caltrans had acquired these properties decades ago as part of a plan to extend the Long Beach (710) Freeway through South Pasadena, Pasadena, and El Sereno. The proposed extension displaced thousands of residents in those communities.

After the extension plan was abandoned, SB 381 allowed for the sale of unoccupied homes owned by Caltrans in the City of South Pasadena to the City at the original acquisition prices paid by Caltrans. The City of South Pasadena could then sell historic homes at fair market value, with the proceeds required to be used for constructing or acquiring affordable housing units within South Pasadena.

“The City of South Pasadena has long been known as one of the safest and most livable cities in Southern California,” said City of South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn G. Zneimer. “We are thrilled to have access to these historic homes — you just don’t see houses built like this anymore. We are very grateful to Senator Portantino for authoring this bill as it made it possible for us to start the process of acquiring these vacant homes and returning them to our neighborhoods and tax roll. We look forward to seeing these unique properties occupied by owners who will provide them with the loving care to restore them to their original luster.”

Pasadena has the right to acquire vacant properties from Caltrans pursuant to a different bill signed into law a year later, SB 959 (also authored by Portantino).

“We have not yet acquired properties from Caltrans,” Caroline L. Nelson, Program Coordinator for the City of Pasadena Housing Department told Pasadena Now.

Caltrans has offered the City 17 vacant properties to date, Nelson said.