Commission approves Certificate of Appropriateness for Meridian Avenue triplex renovation

The South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission on May 21 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA25‑00013) for renovations to a 1905 craftsman‑style triplex on Meridian Avenue that include rear additions, expanded dormers and window upgrades.

Senior Planner Steven Peterson told commissioners the project adds 682 square feet across the first and second floors to improve bedroom layouts and create usable outdoor deck space, expands dormers to normalize ceiling heights and replaces an exterior stair. Peterson said the design uses matching roof materials, shake shingles, horizontal lap siding and river rock bases to achieve compatibility and differentiation between new and existing work. Staff recommended a CEQA exemption under §§15301 and 15331 and approval subject to standard conditions.

Owner Jim Conde described living in the upstairs unit during regional fires and said leaky windows and open siding motivated the rehabilitation: "During the fires... we might as well have been living outside." Architect Peter Dan said the team worked with staff to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood and preserve architectural character.

Commissioners praised the proposal’s limited impact to front‑facing massing, better dormer balance and more historically accurate divided‑light windows. Commissioner Ding moved to approve the project, make the required findings and accept staff’s conditions; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call. The commission noted the decision is appealable to City Council within 15 days and that construction must not begin during the appeal period.

The project record identifies COA25‑00013 and the conditions of approval in the staff packet; staff will provide appeal information to the applicant.