Bullock's Pasadena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Bullocks Pasadena
|
|
.jpg)
Bullock's Pasadena from the street
|
|
| Location | 401 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Built | 1947 |
| Architect | Wurdeman and Becket |
| Architectural style | Late Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000776 |
| Added to NRHP | July 12, 1996 |
Bullock's Pasadena is a famous building in Pasadena, California. It was built in 1947 and has a unique, modern design. This large building, about 240,000 square feet, is so special that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important part of history.
Contents
The Story of Bullock's Pasadena
Amazing Design Features
The Bullock's Pasadena building was designed by two well-known architects from Los Angeles, Wurdeman and Becket. They didn't just design the building itself. They also planned everything inside! This included the wallpaper, the display cases, and even a special conveyor system. This system would carry purchases directly to the parking lot.
The architects believed in "total design." This meant they were in charge of everything. They planned the whole area, the engineering, the inside look, the furniture, the landscaping, and even the signs. The goal was to make the department store feel like a fancy "home" or an exclusive country club. This was exactly what the company president wanted.
The store's design was very different from older department stores at the time. Bullock's Pasadena was one of the first stores to be built outside of a busy downtown area. It was made for shoppers who arrived by car. That's why the store had a huge, 6-acre parking lot right behind it. This was a very new idea back then!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Why Bullock's Pasadena Was So Special
People called Bullock's Pasadena the "store of tomorrow." Arts and Architecture magazine even said it was "one of the world's most modern buildings." In 1950, the design won an award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The store's elegance and fame helped new businesses grow on South Lake Avenue. This happened after World War II. Before Bullock's, South Lake Avenue was mostly a street with houses. But soon, it became filled with fancy shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It quickly became one of the best shopping spots in the San Gabriel Valley.
What Happened Next
By the late 1980s, the South Lake Avenue shopping area started to change. Another part of Pasadena, called Old Pasadena, became very popular. It turned into a trendy place for shopping and entertainment. Because of this, South Lake Avenue lost some of its unique charm. However, it is still seen as a special shopping area today. It has boutiques and nice restaurants. It also benefits from being near the California Institute of Technology and San Marino.
Bullock's Building Today
On July 12, 1996, the Bullock's building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. In May 2000, the city of Pasadena approved a plan to update the area around the building. This project, called "The Shops on Lake Avenue," cost $33 million. It added new specialty shops, restaurants, and a new parking garage. The parking area now holds almost 1,200 cars.
The project opened in the spring of 2002. Today, the original Bullock's building is home to a Macy's department store.
Images for kids
-
Bullock's Pasadena from the street
