Commission approves concept for large azulejo tile murals at Raymond senior housing

The South Pasadena Public Art Commission on Sept. 29 gave conceptual approval to a multi-panel tile-mural proposal for the Raymond senior/affordable housing development at 601–625 Fair Oaks Avenue and directed the applicant to return with final designs and fired tile samples for final approval.

Acting planning manager Dean Flores opened the item and said the multifamily project was previously approved through a ministerial design review and that its valuation and unit count made it subject to the city’s public-art program. Flores said the applicant had elected to provide on-site art rather than pay an in-lieu fee.

Owner representative Odum Stamps and art consultant Marylinda Moss described a plan for hand-painted azulejo (majolica/Portuguese-style) tiles that would appear on columns, spandrel panels and other prominent facades. Tom Rogers of Mission Tile West explained the studio’s production approach: high-fired clay bodies and kiln firing to achieve the traditional look while improving durability for exterior settings. Rogers said Mission Tile West has worked locally on similar projects and that the tiles they propose are compatible with pool use and long-term exposure.

The applicant said the team expects a healthy public-art budget and estimated roughly $85,000 available for art production (applicant noted the figure is preliminary). The project team said Lily Castro would be the lead artist; production would involve a studio team executing hand-painted tiles from artist cartoons.

Commissioners asked about schedule, workload and durability. The applicant said plan check was anticipated in mid-November 2025, and that they expect permits and construction to start in spring 2026 if approvals proceed on schedule. Staff and the applicant confirmed the code requires final art approval (or accepted samples) before building permits are issued.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and a second was recorded; the commission voted unanimously to approve the concept and allow the applicant to prepare final mock-ups, enlarged elevations and fired-tile samples for a future meeting. Roll call recorded four ayes: Commissioner Seal, Commissioner Burke, Commissioner Piazza and Vice Chair Velasco; the motion carried.

Ending: The commission’s conceptual approval clears the applicant to develop detailed designs and physical tile samples. Staff will require final designs and any applicable maintenance agreements before permit issuance.