For the Holiday season, ONYX is gifting Mother Earth with our AIA 2030 Commitment and achieving its goal of carbon-neutral building by the year 2030. It is common knowledge that our natural world is in a state of drastic suffering, and it can no longer be ignored. We are proud of this pledge because it involves the dedication of each of our staff to incorporate carbon-neutral design practices as well as make changes to their personal consumption and waste. Sure, it's a challenge to incorporate these practices but we're ready to step up and be committed contributors and collaborators within our greater community. Not only for our own conscious but to encourage others to follow suit. Please join us in our mission to become catalysts in revitalizing neighborhoods so individuals and the next generations can thrive in a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
PRESS RELEASE: Update on Pasadena Civic Center Development - Ramona Property
Thanks to all the affordable housing supporters who wrote letters of support and/or tuned in to the October 4, 2021, Pasadena City Council meeting, hoping to hear the presentation on the Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) for the Ramona Street affordable senior housing apartments. The Council’s busy schedule didn’t allow for the presentation, but the Council received and filed the PPR. This means the PPR step in the approval process is completed.
Now, the development will begin the design approval process, starting with the Preliminary Design Review. On September 30, the project architect – Onyx Architects – submitted the Preliminary Design Review Package to the City on behalf of National CORE.
Because the development is within the Central District Specific Plan, all new construction must be approved through a three-step design process – Preliminary Design Review, Concept Design Review, and Final Design Review. As a part of the Preliminary Review, the Pasadena Design Commission will first examine how the building relates to the site and to neighboring buildings. This “massing” assessment includes a review of the development’s height, setback, shape, form, and scale. The Commission will then consider the architectural style to ensure that it complements the neighborhood, which includes some of the most important historical resources in Pasadena.
As soon as the City finishes their assessment of the Preliminary Design, the first Design Commission review will be scheduled. We believe this could be as soon as late November or early December. We’ll keep everyone informed about the schedule as we move forward.
National CORE would also like to thank Making Housing and Community Happen (MHCH) for visiting the Ramona Housing site and hearing an update on the development as a part of their donor appreciation event this month. Local support is a critical part of the process for any affordable housing community. The advocacy of supporters in Pasadena, like you, has and will continue to be important at every step in the approval process.