Western Asset Plaza is a new, 270,000 SF office building developed by Maguire Properties. Located on the former Woolworth Drugstore site south of historic Old Pasadena, the five-story office building includes ground floor retail and a three-level subterranean parking garage. Maguire Properties has a strong reputation for creating architecturally significant buildings, and it viewed this project as an extension of the award-winning Plaza Las Fuentes, immediately to the north. Meléndrez was selected as the landscape architect because of the firm's proven ability to create special places, and its experience with the complexities of on-structure landscape design.

Meléndrez designed a series of garden rooms, which serve as informal meeting spaces and an outdoor respite for building occupants. The plaza allows space for ground floor retail to spread from the interior to the outside, creating greater life and vibrancy at the street-level. Meléndrez incorporated three large-scale art pieces and the historic Woolworth façade into the landscaping of the garden plaza. Special attention was given to the creation of a smooth and logical pedestrian flow pattern, expressed as a smooth arc along which a linear water feature is located. A second water feature has been incorporated into the plaza on axis with the covered paseo that links Colorado Boulevard with the development. Perimeter landscaping integrates street furniture and reinforces the City's vision for Colorado Boulevard.

The completed Western Asset Plaza stands as a testament to the commitment of Maguire Properties and the project team. Building tenants and retail patrons will have a comfortable and inviting environment to enjoy.


Back To Index