Pasadena Design Commission to Weigh Final Review for New Rusnak Porsche Dealership

A new two-story Rusnak Porsche dealership and car wash proposed for East Colorado Boulevard is headed to the Pasadena Design Commission on Tuesday for final design review.

The 4.4-acre project at 2915 E. Colorado Blvd., which spans eight parcels and incorporates the vacated portion of Nina Street, includes a 61,370-square-foot automobile sales and service building and a 4,864-square-foot car wash.

The existing 12,728-square-foot Swanson and Peterson Furniture Manufacturing building will be partially retained, with later additions demolished along with other existing structures.

City staff is recommending approval, finding the revised design meets conditions set during the commission’s October concept review.

Changes include new brick cladding and pilasters to better integrate the showroom, parking and service areas with the Swanson building; drought-tolerant landscaping; a lower retaining wall and added pedestrian access along Colorado Boulevard; and refined façade treatments on all street-facing elevations.

The plan features public art, vehicle display areas with permeable turf block pavers, and landscaping along Colorado Boulevard, Sunnyslope Avenue and Walnut Street. Parking will be provided at ground level and on the roof.

The project also includes mechanical screening, contemporary lighting, and high-quality materials such as glass curtain walls, aluminum panels, and charcoal brick.

The dealership site is within the Lamanda Park Specific Plan area, which changed its zoning and general plan designation to medium mixed-use. No protected trees are on site, though eight private trees and four street trees will be removed due to condition issues.

The City Council approved the project’s conditional use permit in July and concept art plan in April. If the commission grants final design approval Tuesday, the project would move toward building permits pending staff review of conditions.