|
|
Old Town Pasadena
Bryant Irawan / Indonesia Media
 In 1923, Pasadena issued a $3.5 million bond to start construction on a public Civic Center inside Pasadena’s City Hall at 100 North Garfield Avenue. Pasadena’s City Hall is actually recognized as one of Pasadena’s historic landmarks. With the bond passed, the city of Pasadena chose The Chicago firm of Bennett, Parsons and Frost as commissioners to draw up the plans for the Civic Center. In the end, the cost of the final 170,000 sq. feet building was $1.3 million and the architectural design was based on a 16 th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio. The city hall also boasts a staggering number of 235 rooms for city representatives and officials to work in.
As a toddler, I recall my memorable times running around playfully in Pasadena’s city hall. Unfortunately, a few years ago, it was not open to public due to remodeling renovations, but, recently, I heard a rumor the city just announced the City Hall was back in service. I decided to see if the myth was true.
E arly on my journey, I found I had made a mistake. The building is closed on the weekends and all I could see were security guards patrolling the perimeter of the City Hall. So I returned on a weekday soon later and I walked through the main entrance. Just entering the building under the dome had a powerful effect on its visitors. The vast height of the airy dome is simply remarkable and it emits some sort of strange aura that could make any mood positive. Though the dome might be intimidating, it feels as if the dome was very light and it gives the illusion that it seems to be floating. Once you pass the main entrance, you will notice intricate Italian moldings surround the room and another entrance awaits you across the room that leads to the fountain area.
 Once outside, the first object your eye catches is the turquoise cast stone Baroque fountain, 22.5 feet tall with a basin 25 feet in diameter, in the center of the area. Flowers and oak trees circle the fountain; wooden benches are available below the shade of some oak trees. It’s a fantastic place to relax and sleep if you don’t have a backyard or live around the area. There is no entrance fee and you could browse around the city’s government offices as well. Once you are satisfied with your visit and completed your relaxation break in the City Hall, shops await you across the street.
 On Colorado Blvd., many shops and restaurants enclose the street. Apple stores, theaters, Ice Cream Parlors you’ll find everything you could ever want on that street. Shopping districts are available too such as Pasio Colorado. During the night, neon lights brighten the street and music plays in the shopping districts. Guests are welcome to dance or listen to the band’s performance after shopping all day. This whole area is wonderful for young couples or families to have a fun time with each other or shop for whatever. One thing’s for sure, Old Town Pasadena definitely earned a permanent spot in my tourist book.
| |
