Caltech Research Building Faces Community Opposition Ahead of Review

The proposed design for a new Caltech research building is set to face significant opposition during a review meeting scheduled for January 27, 2024. The Pasadena Design Commission will assess the concept design for a four-story, 93,539 square foot facility located at 1364 E. Green St., adjacent to St. Philip the Apostle Church and school. Last month, the commission opted to continue its review of the project, which has been recommended for approval by city officials.

The project includes plans for 260 subterranean parking spaces and the removal of two protected street trees: a California fan palm and an incense cedar. The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee approved this removal in September 2023, despite community concerns. The recommendation for approval comes with a list of 55 proposed conditions related to design, historic preservation, public works, excavation, and transportation.

Caltech has designated the building as an innovation center, intended to support the university’s expanding startup ecosystem. According to the institution, the center aims to minimize potential impacts on traffic, air quality, and noise while enhancing future job opportunities and economic benefits for the community.

Concerns about the project have been articulated by the nearby church and school community. At a previous meeting in December, representatives for St. Philip the Apostle Church raised issues regarding traffic, security, privacy, and the building’s size. An online petition opposing the project, created in September, has collected over 1,300 signatures as of January 22, 2024. Additionally, the city has received more than a dozen written comments from the public regarding the Caltech building project.

Pastor Tony Gomez expressed his concerns in a letter dated January 23, 2024. He noted that a group of parishioners with expertise in planning and development had conducted a thorough review of the proposal. “After reviewing these findings and discussing them with Archdiocesan leadership, it became clear that the parish can no longer support the project as it is currently proposed,” Gomez stated. He encouraged parishioners and parents of the school to attend the upcoming commission meeting to voice their concerns.

The special meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 E. Green St.. As the commission prepares to evaluate the project, the community’s response continues to gain momentum, highlighting the potential for significant pushback against the development.