Architecture, planning and design firm CallisonRTKL has reimagined a proposed mixed-use development slated for East Pasadena, according to a presentation made before the Pasadena Design Commission.
Dubbed CFT Gateway Center, the Mill Creek Development project at 3452-3488 East Foothill Boulevard calls for three, six-story residential buildings that would house 234 apartments. A five-story parking structure and 5,350 square feet of new restaurant and retail space are also planned. The surface parking lot that currently occupies the site would be excavated, while the adjacent Panda Inn restaurant would undergo renovations and a small addition.
The property is owned by an LLC with ties to the Cherng family, the billionaire owners of the Panda Express restaurant chain. The existing Panda Inn, which dates back to 1973, is the restaurant group’s original location. While Panda Express is a fast-food chain, the five Panda Inn locations throughout Southern California are sit-down restaurants that serve Mandarin and Szechwan cuisine. Orange, California-based AO Architects will execute the revamp of the Panda Inn flagship restaurant.
An entry court would separate the parking structure, Panda Inn and an existing office building from the development’s residential component, however, there would be a suspended pedestrian bridge to link the two areas. A total of 682 parking spaces would be provided, and the base of the structure would incorporate a coffee shop and three commercial spaces.
The three proposed residential buildings would be positioned around a landscaped residential courtyard. Residents would share access to a wealth of onsite amenities, starting with a two-story lobby with a leasing office on the mezzanine level in Building A. Meantime, Building C would offer a bike repair station and a three-story gym that includes an outdoor fitness deck.
The third floor of Building A would feature a large co-working space with a staircase that leads to an open-air roof deck on the fourth floor. The sixth floor of Building C would tout amenities geared toward entertaining like a swimming pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, indoor games room, community club room, and a living room-esque lounge.
CFT Gateway Center would offer a mix of floorplans, including micro, studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Sizes would range from 340 to 1,101 square feet and select units would boast private balconies.
The previous design iteration by LCRA Architecture & Planning also featured three, six-story residential buildings and a five-story parking structure. While the original plans envisioned boxy, contemporary-style elevations in various shades of gray, the new design seems to be inspired by restored factory buildings with oversized, steel-framed windows, white cement plaster, brick veneer and metal balcony railings.
Future residents of CFT Gateway Center would live within a seven-minute walk of the Sierra Madre Villa light rail station, offering connections from Union Station to the San Gabriel Valley. Across the street is the Hastings Village shopping center, featuring grocery stores, retailers and restaurants including Trader Joe’s, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Peet’s Coffee and more.
[H/T Urbanize Los Angeles]
