Wednesday, November 4, 2009

THE CASTLE GREEN: A PASADENA LANDMARK


Originally named the Hotel Green, just north of Central Park in Old Pasadena is the well known historical Castle Green. Built in 1898, this magnificent architectural masterpiece was named in honor of the business entrepreneur Col. George G. Green, who was responsible for having the Castle Green built. The architect, Frederick L. Roehrig, pulled Moorish (Islamic), Spanish, and Victorian architectural elements all together, creating a completely unique landmark.

Initially consisting of three large separate structures, a bridge crossing over Raymond Avenue connected the center building to the one lying on the east. The building on the east side had long been gone but the bridge that connected the two still exists and can be seen when you travel past the Castle Green on Raymond Avenue.

Although it had been built to serve as a hotel, times and the economy changes. At the turn of the century Pasadena started switching from a resort city that easterners vacationed at, to a place to live and eventually in 1924 a group of guests that frequented and resided at the hotel purchased the hotel as investors and divided it up. No longer the Hotel Green, the central structure was divided into fifty separate units for purchase and became what is now the Castle Green. The condos in the Castle Green are still used as residential units and are owned by residents that have respect and admiration for Pasadena’s history. The owner of each unit pays a monthly homeowners association fee that goes towards the constant preservation and maintenance of the building.

In addition to serving as a residence for condo owners, the Castle Green is available and is constantly in use for events, filming, and weddings. Events and weddings at the Castle Green include use of the Lobby, Main Salon, Moorish Room, Turkish Room, Sunroom, and Ballroom, as well as the Gardens. A classic wedding set up in the outdoor gardens has become a popular write up in the local magazines, including Pasadena magazine which covered a large editorial on outdoor wedding receptions at the Castle Green.

Occasionally condos come onto the market for purchase in the Castle Green, as well as owners looking to rent out their unit. A current listing that is available for purchase is a 700 square foot one bathroom studio for $365,000. Feel free to contact us for additional information on condos at The Castle Green.










ERICA SWANSON


818-257-1054 Direct Line
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES