Architecturally speaking, everything that matters in Pasadena is on the ground. Whether it’s the tree-lined streets of California Craftsman or the historic estates on Millionaire’s Row, single-family homes have always driven the city’s luxury market.

A pair of high-end condo complexes, however, are trying to lure affluent buyers upward.

Both new to the market, the two developments sit only a few blocks away from each other, but they’re making different pitches for vertical living.

The first, found in Old Pasadena, was once a 1980s bank building. After a dramatic remodel, the high-rise developed by Adept Urban now boasts a few floors of office space 57 contemporary condos that take in views from the San Gabriel Mountains to downtown L.A.

Ranging from on e to five bedrooms, the units are priced between $900,000 and $5.5 million and span anywhere from 1,000 square feet to more than 4,000. The floor plans vary, but nearly every one offers indoor-outdoor living spaces that open to covered decks or rooftop terraces.

Some are still being built, but the development will eventually offer such amenities as a gym, rooftop pool and concierge. Johanna Gunther of 2nd Avenue Sales & Marketing holds the listings.

Views and central location are two of the biggest draws, but a mile west, the Terraces at the Ambassador Gardens offer a greener setting.

Surrounded by fountains, lawns and lush landscaping, the batch of 60 condos developed by Etco Homes contain either three or four bedrooms and cost between $2 million and $4 million. Wide-plank floors line the living spaces, which include a great room, formal dining room, media room and open-concept kitchen with a center island and European-style cabinetry.

Bree Long of Etco Homes holds the listings.