The Pasadena Design Commission is set to review a controversial four-story research building proposed by Caltech on January 27, 2024. This meeting is expected to witness significant opposition from the local community, particularly from the nearby St. Philip the Apostle Church and school. The project, which aims to create a 93,539 square foot facility at 1364 E. Green St., has already prompted concerns over traffic, privacy, and security.
Last month, the commission voted to postpone the design review, allowing additional time for community feedback. City officials have recommended approval of the project, which includes plans for 260 subterranean parking spaces. However, it requires the removal of two protected trees: a California fan palm and an incense cedar, a decision that has stirred discontent among environmental advocates.
The proposed building, referred to as the “innovation center,” aims to bolster Caltech’s growing startup ecosystem by providing research and development office space alongside laboratory facilities. According to the university, the design intends to mitigate potential impacts on traffic, air quality, and noise while enhancing job creation and economic benefits for the region.
Community Concerns Emerge
The December meeting of the Design Commission highlighted the opposition from the church and school community, which raised several issues regarding the project’s scale and implications. In a letter dated January 23, 2024, Pastor Tony Gomez expressed that a review conducted by parishioners with planning and development expertise concluded that the church can no longer support the project in its current form. Gomez encouraged community members to attend the upcoming meeting to voice their concerns.
An online petition opposing the project has gained traction, amassing over 1,300 signatures as of Monday afternoon. The city has also received numerous written comments regarding the building proposal, reflecting a growing discontent among residents.
The Design Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 E. Green St.. The outcome of this meeting will be closely monitored, as it not only impacts the immediate community but also sets a precedent for future developments in the area.
As the commission prepares to review the project, it faces a delicate balance between advancing academic innovation and addressing community concerns. The ongoing dialogue between Caltech and local stakeholders will be crucial in determining the future of this significant development.
