Pasadena City Hall

Pasadena City Hall. History and Influences. , In 1923, after years without a formal city hall building, the citizens of Pasadena funded construction of a visionary new city hall. "An official building of imposing beauty, massive yet graceful, and suited to a land of flowers and sunshine" is what the City Council had in mind. After four years of planning and construction a stunning monumental building rose in Pasadena's emerging civic center area. The total cost was $1.3 million. , The architectural firm of Bakewell and Brown turned to the style of celebrated 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Three famous European domed structures reflect Palladio's influence; without being a direct imitation, Pasadena City Hall is related to them all. The architects were also inspired by the California Mission style, resulting in a classic building with rich detail and ornamentation. , Since completion on December 27, 1927, City Hall has remained one of the most distinctive public buildings in the United States. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, City Hall is an excellent example of the California Mediterranean style, epitomizing the 1920s City Beautiful movement that helped shape Pasadena. It remains to this day, the iconic Pasadena Civic Center building., Captions: , Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice. Designed by Baldassare Longhena, completed in 1681., Hôtel des Invalides, Paris. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, completed by Robert de Cotte in 1708., St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Designed by Christopher Wren, completed in 1708., City Hall, Pasadena. Designed by Bakewell and Brown, completed in 1927.