[UPDATED] Rusnak Auto Group will break ground Wednesday morning on a new 61,000-square-foot Porsche dealership at 2915 E. Colorado Blvd. in East Pasadena, a major expansion for the luxury car dealer that has operated in the city for 60 years.
The two-story facility at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Sunnyslope Avenue replaces Rusnak’s former Porsche location at 325 W. Colorado Blvd. Rusnak representatives say the expanded operation could double the brand’s sales volume in Pasadena over the next decade, with a corresponding increase in sales tax revenue to the city.
“We are proud to expand our presence in Pasadena and continue our long-standing commitment to this community,” Chairman and CEO Paul Rusnak said in a statement.
Paul Little, CEO and president of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, told Pasadena Now the groundbreaking is “an amazingly positive step forward for the future prosperity of the city of Pasadena.”
The project occupies a 4.4-acre site. In addition to the sales and service building, the plans include a 4,800-square-foot car wash, rooftop parking above the second floor, and an outdoor display area beneath a public sculpture designed by students at ArtCenter College of Design. The Pasadena Design Commission approved the final design in August 2025.
The project also preserves the Swanson and Peterson Furniture Manufacturing building, a two-story brick structure built in 1929 and designed by architect McNeal Swasey. Rusnak’s original 2021 proposal called for demolishing all existing structures on the site, but community members and Pasadena Heritage objected, calling the building the best remaining example of a “daylight factory” in Pasadena. Rusnak revised its plans to retain the building, which houses service operations for classic Porsche vehicles, according to the company.
Pasadena City Councilmember Gene Masuda, who represents District 4 where the new dealership is located and who made the motion to approve the project in 2024, praised the company’s decision to preserve the historic building.
“When that came up, the Rusnak team and Paul Rusnak, they decided to keep it, and that was the right decision,” Masuda said in an interview.
“The new 61,000-square-foot facility represents a transformational step forward for our dealership and, most importantly, for our Porsche customers,” said Victoria Rusnak, president and dealer principal at Rusnak Auto Group, in a written statement to Pasadena Now.
She said the company anticipates approximately a 30 percent increase in employees at the new facility, with positions across sales, service, parts and administration.
She also said the company is establishing a partnership with Pasadena City College’s Automotive Technology Program to offer internships and training for students pursuing careers in automotive service.
“Through this collaboration, we will offer hands-on internships and real-world training opportunities for students pursuing careers in automotive service and technology,” Rusnak said.
The public art installation, set back 43 feet from the property line along Sunnyslope Avenue, was designed by ArtCenter College of Design students and is intended to celebrate innovation, motion and the legacy of automotive design. Rusnak said the outdoor sculpture space is publicly accessible and open to community events.
Rusnak Auto Group, a family-owned company, opened its first Pasadena dealership on Colorado Boulevard in 1966. The company now operates six luxury brand locations in Pasadena and describes itself as one of the city’s largest sales tax generators, according to company materials.
The company has supported the community’s arts and culture sector for decades. It is the title sponsor of the Pasadena Pops summer concert series and sponsors the Distinguished Speaker Series. It also supports local nonprofits including the Cancer Support Community Pasadena and Five Acres children’s care agency.
“The new Porsche dealership will do much more than simply sell cars — it will help shape the identity and long-term momentum of the entire neighborhood,” said Rusnak.
“Being located next to the existing Rusnak Audi store creates a true automotive destination in East Pasadena. Bringing in an iconic brand like Porsche elevates the profile of the area and acts as a catalyst for additional investment. High-caliber brands tend to attract complementary businesses, and we believe this development will help spark continued growth and enhancement throughout the surrounding commercial corridor.”
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