City Panel to Consider Historic Status for Mid-Century Modern ‘Showcase Street’

Six of the seven homes on Mesita Road came from the same architect’s drafting table — and now the quiet Pasadena street where they stand could become a landmark district, shielding the mid-century modern residences from major exterior alterations.

Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. to consider the designation. The Planning and Community Development Department is recommending approval.

Architect Harold B. Zook designed six of the seven homes, all built between 1949 and 1958. That degree of architectural cohesion on a single block is rare, according to the staff report.

The homes represent two closely related styles: Mid-Century Modern and Modern Ranch. Both stress low horizontal forms, large expanses of glass and floor plans blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Distinguishing between the two styles, the staff report notes, can be difficult.

Mesita Road sits atop a significant slope. That elevation physically separates it from surrounding neighborhoods on Sierra Madre Villa Avenue, New York Drive and Calvert Road. A brick monument sign marks the entrance from Sierra Madre Villa Avenue.

Planning staff determined that six of the seven properties qualify as contributing structures — 86%, well above the 60% minimum required for landmark district designation, according to the staff report. The exception is 1105 Mesita Road, which underwent significant alterations including garage conversion and window replacements that compromised its integrity.

The application was submitted in June by Katja M. Guenther on behalf of supporting property owners. A formal review application followed Dec. 31. Staff concluded the district meets all criteria for approval.

Four of the seven property owners — 57% — have signed the preliminary petition supporting designation. City code requires only a simple majority of 51%. No formal opposition has been filed, according to the staff report.

Landmark designation would require property owners to seek a Certificate of Appropriateness before making exterior changes visible from the street. Demolitions, relocations and new construction would also face review.

The designation carries incentives as well. Contributing property owners would become eligible for reduced building permit fees, use of the State Historical Building Code and the Mills Act Historic Property Contract Program, which can lower property taxes.

The district was previously determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in a 2007 survey of cultural resources. It also represents development trends identified in a 2009 study of mid-20th century architecture.

If the Historic Preservation Commission recommends approval Tuesday, the application moves next to the Planning Commission and then to the City Council for a public hearing and final vote.

The staff report was prepared by Jennifer Paige, director of the Planning and Community Development Department.

Tuesday, March 3, 6 p.m. Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Pasadena City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena.