South Pasadena committee narrows Library Park options, asks for more analysis on preserving 1930s library

At a meeting of the South Pasadena City Ad Hoc Library Park Committee, consultants reviewed results from recent community engagement and presented three development options for Library Park, including program-size ranges and trade-offs involving the library’s historic 1930s wing.

Consultants reported nearly 2,600 total participants in the outreach effort (613 online survey responses) and said the top uses residents want at a reimagined campus are preserving existing trees, markets and fairs, and community performances. Vicky (consultant presenter) said, “The total number of participants online and in person was almost 2,600.”

Why it matters: the site combines the city’s principal public library and senior/recreation facilities and sits inside the Mission West Historic District. Decisions will affect building size, park trees and circulation, parking demand, and how the city meets library, senior, youth and community programming needs.

Most important facts

- Three high-level options: (A) demolish the entire existing building and rebuild; (B) remove the 1980s additions while retaining and integrating the 1930s historic portion and colonnades; and (C) retain and renovate the entire existing building. Consultants presented preliminary massing and program options for each.

- Recommended planning ranges: consultants suggested a shared, co-located library and community/senior center could be delivered in a range from roughly 40,000 square feet (more modest shared program) up to about 55,000 square feet (larger program). They also showed a lower shared-range scenario (about 40,000–45,000) and a larger program at about 55,000.

- Library and senior program sizing shown in the presentation: a standalone library planning range of about 27,000–33,000 sq ft; a shared reduction of about 20% where spaces are…