Del Mar Station is a new transit-oriented village development crucial to the revitalization of Old Pasadena and the surrounding districts. Situated next to the historic Santa Fe Depot, the four-building infill complex is six stories of market-rate and affordable apartments, retail shops, plaza and open space over a subterranean parking structure straddling Metro Gold Line’s Del Mar Station.

As the designers and urban planners for the Metro Gold Line, Meléndrez was the team of choice for developing the village’s residential courtyards and civic plaza. Recognizing the importance of the plaza to the development, the design team strove to create an important civic space and urban destination that fits into both the historic and new elements of the complex, while transcending mere transit needs. Amenities include a raised terrace featuring a fountain and seating beneath a cluster of California Sycamore trees, and tables and chairs beneath market umbrellas to provide casual outdoor seating throughout the plaza. The four residential buildings are each organized around private, open-air courtyards that are secure from the public domain. The courtyards function as outdoor living rooms, providing opportunities for casual encounters between residents, thus fostering a sense of community.

This development should serve as a model transit village in Los Angeles County. The world-class design demonstrates how transit-oriented development can help reduce gridlock, sprawl, automobile dependency and pollution, while providing a sought after urban destination.


Back To Index