Pasadena to Consider Allowing Private Events at Historic Maxwell House

The City of Pasadena will consider granting a Conditional Use Permit to the nonprofit Western Justice Center, allowing it to host private events at the historic Maxwell House, a city-owned property the center has occupied since 1989. The permit would allow the center to hold weddings, celebrations and other events for up to 175 people.

The City’s Planning and Community Development Department has recommended approval of the permit, stating in a staff report that revenue generated through the proposed events “would allow the WJC to continue to maintain the property” and offer below market rental rates to other nonprofit organizations. 

The Maxwell House, built in 1929, is part of a four-building campus located north of the former Vista Del Arroyo Hotel. 

The WJC’s mission is “to increase the opportunity for peaceful conflict resolution in order to displace the power of violence in society,” according to the report. It said the events would be “ancillary to the existing office use and constitute a negligible expansion.”

Wednesday’s hearing is part of the city’s standard approval process for Conditional Use Permits.

Under the proposed permit’s conditions, events would be limited to Saturdays and Sundays between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., with a maximum of 28 events per year. Amplified music would only be allowed indoors and must end by 10 p.m.

The city’s zoning code requires a Conditional Use Permit for clubs, lodges and private meeting halls in areas zoned for public and semi-public uses. Some of the area’s residents had expressed concerns about noise and parking, according to the staff report, which also concluded that, as conditioned, the use will be “compatible with existing and future land uses.” It said the permit would be consistent with the city’s General Plan and would not be detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare of those in the immediate area.

The WJC assumes responsibility for maintaining, preserving, and restoring the Maxwell House and three other historic buildings on the campus under its lease with the city. The staff report said the events would allow visitors and locals to enjoy the landmark.

“The services of local small businesses and vendors will be utilized for the events, benefiting the local community and contributing toward the success of local businesses,” the report stated.