Next Step for YWCA Building

Although city officials have not finalized the acquisition of the historic YWCA building just a block away from city hall, that did not stop the local historic preservation group Pasadena Heritage from welcoming public opinion Saturday on what to do with the 1920 three-story, Mediterranean-style building designed by architect Julia Morgan.
The group held a tribute to Morgan, who was born Jan. 20 1872, and best known for her work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Sue Mossman, executive director of Pasadena Heritage said Morgan was the architect of over 700 buildings in California including Pasadena’s YWCA.
Christopher Smith of Architectural Resources Group gave an overview of the building’s condition, everything from the pool and gym to the courtyard and roof.
“What we do as the preservation professionals, there are four primary issues we need to look at to decide what preservation treatment we’re going to use,” he said. “First is the relative importance in history, weather its national recognition, local recognition, famous architect, the architecture itself, its physical condition for post use of the building…”
One attendee asked if the building can be used for its original use, low income housing.
Mossman said “I think all possibilities are open, and certainly, as the city goes forward with acquisition of the building, one thing for all of us to help contemplate is, what kind of uses we would like to see there, what would the cost be and what is the economic feasibility.”
City Councilmember Terry Tornek said one of the early discussions was using the building as a city hall annex, “Take Water and Power which is currently renting space, and move them in here or the fire department headquarters more it in here, that is an option.”
Tornerk said a Feb. 22 court hearing will ultimately determine what the city pays for the building. The city has placed $6.5 million in a court-managed escrow account to pay for the building officials said.