RECREATIONAL
The Grove at Ambassador Gardens
Pasedena, CA
FACTS
Ambassador Gardens - Parcel 9
Luxury Podium Flats
Sustainable Development
21 Homes
1.6 AC
15 U/A
2,642 - 3,424 SF
SERVICES
Architecture & Planning
Architectural Graphics
Colors & Materials
CLIENT
City Ventures LLC
AWARDS
Recognized at the 2017 Historic Preservation Awards
Gold Nugget 2016
Merited for Best Multi-Family Housing Community under 18 u/a
Silver Awards at 2016 International Builder's Show
THE STORY
Sitting on the crest of a hill overlooking a vast former estate's Great Lawn, on an axis of stairs that lead to the historic gardens, this project has been designed to take advantage of its unique setting with a grand elevation, inspired by the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Historic gates, fountains, and a stream have been preserved that winds past the broad new terraces. A massive heritage tree was preserved within the beautifully detailed courtyard. Preserved paths connect the development to other portions of the estate's grounds. All these threads root the project into its historical context.
Basement parking provides private garages for every home and four elevators are configured so that each serve a maximum of two homes per floor. The twenty-one luxurious homes feature ten foot or greater ceilings, expansive kitchens, Great Rooms that open to broad terraces, and grand master suites.
The design of the units incorporates many traditional elements found in upscale homes for move-down buyers, updated to contemporary living focused on spacious open kitchens, large dining rooms and special things like wine rooms, beamed ceilings, and libraries. Rooms are organized toward the main terrace and other smaller terraces and private garden spaces, enhancing the estate garden atmosphere.