Old Pasadena dates back to the 19th century, when the city’s commercial district expanded and attracted national attention. By 1890, the famous Tournament of Roses had begun celebrating the unique flavor of the city, cementing what would become a rich legacy. Today, that ethos lives on, balanced by the synergy between old architecture and new culture. Ideally located, the Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens places residents a short stroll from this reinvented city center, allowing for ease of access while maintaining the quiet serenity of the perfect luxury home.

Incorporated in 1886, Pasadena quickly centered around the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and grew from there. A few years later, the Tournament of Roses Parade, begun as a promotional effort by Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club, rapidly grew from flowered wagons to a spectacle that included marching bands and motorized floats. As other cultural touchpoints flourished here, so, too, did Pasadena’s architecture.

The early 20th century saw Pasadena grow into a resort town, ushering in grand hotels, such as Castle Green. Located at the corner of Raymond and Green streets, its Moorish, Mission Revival, and Victorian influences drew leaders of industry and government to its halls. As visitors increased, so did the pace of construction and development in the area. Soon, Colorado Boulevard was declared too small to handle the influx of new traffic, and in the 1920s, an ambitious plan was undertaken to set buildings back an additional 14 feet on each side of the street. This engineering marvel brought not only infrastructure changes but aesthetic evolution as the Victorian façades were replaced by Spanish Colonial Revival and Art-Deco frontages.

In 1983, Old Pasadena’s beauty and unique charm earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places as more than 90% of the structures were recognized for adding to the historic nature of the neighborhood. This designation brought new plans to reinvigorate the area with public investment, and by the 1990s, the One Colorado project helped bring to life a modern outdoor lifestyle center. Complete with shopping and restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions, this invention of Old Pasadena once more established the city as a major regional attraction.

The Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens continues this grand tradition, contributing contemporary architecture that is both fluid and refined. The effortless elegance of the residences’ premium finishes and touches, such as floor-to-ceiling windows that flood Terrace homes with light, evokes the luxury of the past and would be sure to impress those early citizens who first recognized the area’s potential for luxury living. Come see for yourself how the unique luxury villas, condos, and penthouses at the Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens meld elements of the old with the new, creating yet another layer in Pasadena’s exciting century-plus of transformation. Contact us to schedule your virtual tour today.