The Pasadena Design Commission is set to evaluate the proposed design of a four-story research building at Caltech on January 27, 2024. The project, which has stirred significant controversy, is located next to St. Philip the Apostle Church and a school. Following a previous meeting in December, the commission voted to continue its review of the concept design for the building, prompting concerns from the local community.
The proposed research facility will encompass approximately 93,539 square feet and include 260 subterranean parking spaces. City officials have recommended its approval, as outlined in a recent staff report. However, this recommendation comes with a list of 55 proposed conditions categorized under design, historic preservation, public works, excavation, and transportation.
At the heart of the opposition are concerns regarding the removal of two protected street trees: a California fan palm and an incense cedar. The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee reviewed the removal in September and granted approval, but local residents remain dissatisfied. The proposed location is at 1364 E. Green St., near the intersection of Holliston Avenue.
Caltech has described the building as an innovation center aimed at supporting the university’s expanding startup ecosystem. According to their website, the center will be designed to minimize potential impacts on traffic, air quality, and noise, while also fostering job opportunities and economic benefits for the community.
The St. Philip the Apostle Church and its school community have voiced strong opposition to the project. They raised multiple concerns during the December meeting, including traffic congestion, security issues, privacy invasions, and the building’s size. An online petition opposing the project, created in September, has gathered over 1,300 signatures as of January 22, 2024. The city has also received more than a dozen written public comments regarding the project.
In a letter dated January 23, 2024, Pastor Tony Gomez expressed that the church community could no longer support the project as currently proposed. After conducting a thorough review and discussions with Archdiocesan leadership, he urged parishioners and school parents to attend the upcoming commission meeting to voice their concerns.
The special meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 E. Green St.. As the commission prepares to deliberate on the project, the outcome remains uncertain, with community voices increasingly calling for reconsideration of the development plans.
