Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pasadena City Hall
History & Influences
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2020
1. Pasadena City Hall Marker
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.
photo captions:
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice.
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Hτtel des Invalides, Paris. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, completed by Robert de Cotte in 1708.
St. Pauls Cathedral, London. Designed by Christopher Wren, completed in 1708.
City Hall, Pasadena. Designed by Bakewell and Brown, completed in 1927.
Erected by City of Pasadena.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical date for this entry is December 27, 1927.
Location. 34° 8.845′ N, 118° 8.623′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Holly Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Garfield Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pasadena Robinson Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pasadena Post Office (about 600 feet away); Pasadena Memorial for Fallen Officers (about 700 feet away); Pacific Asia Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pasadena Central Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eddie Van Halen (approx. 0.2 miles away); W.A. McHenry House (approx. Ό mile away); Brainard Alley (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2020
2. Pasadena City Hall Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2020
3. Pasadena City Hall
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 24, 2020
4. Pasadena City Hall
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2018
5. Pasadena City Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 836 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on July 14, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on August 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
