Normandie Heights, Pasadena, California facts for kids
Normandie Heights is a lovely neighborhood located in Pasadena, California. It is surrounded by Woodbury Road to the north, Washington Boulevard to the south, Los Robles Avenue to the west, and Lake Avenue to the east. This area is special because it has many beautiful Craftsman style homes. These houses are known for their wooden exteriors, which are very well kept.
The City of Pasadena has recognized over 50 homes in Normandie Heights as important architectural landmarks. Many of these are on Rio Grande Street, where some of the first houses in the neighborhood were built.
Normandie Heights is also a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows. Parts of films like Valkyrie, Old School, Wedding Crashers, The War of the Worlds, and The Wedding Planner were shot here.
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Exploring Normandie Heights Landmarks
Normandie Heights has several interesting landmarks that tell its story. These buildings show different styles of architecture and history.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Clock Tower
The most famous landmark in Normandie Heights is the clock tower of Westminster Presbyterian Church. This tall, Gothic-style church can be seen from far away. It stands on the west side of Lake Avenue.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church is often linked with Normandie Heights. It is just outside the neighborhood's northern border, on Woodbury Road.
Historic Homes and Estates
The Seth Cook Rees House
The Seth Cook Rees House is another important landmark. It was designed by architect Francis W. Wilson for Seth Cook Rees, a pastor and evangelist. Built in 1908, this home is a great example of the Arts and Crafts architectural style. It is recognized as a historical landmark by the City of Pasadena.
Normandie Heights Estate
The Normandie Heights Estate was built in 1911 by Pasadena architect Sylvanus Marston. This estate was designed in the Colonial Revival style and was even named after the community. Its beautiful house and gardens were featured in the 1913 Tournament of Roses Pictorial, showing off Pasadena's charm.
Washington Court Bungalows
A group of bungalows called Washington Court was built in 1924. These homes are on the southwest side of the neighborhood. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places because they are excellent examples of the English Cottage Revival style.
Washington Theater's History
Pasadena's well-loved Washington Theater is located at the southeast edge of Normandie Heights. This theater was completed in 1924 and designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It is also a historical landmark. In 1937, its exterior was updated to the Streamline Moderne style. Plans are underway to bring back its original 1924 look.
Education in Normandie Heights
Students in Normandie Heights attend several local schools. These include Longfellow and Altadena Elementary Schools. For middle school, students go to Eliot Middle School. High school options are Muir High School and Pasadena High School. Many children from the neighborhood also attend St. Elizabeth Parish School.
The neighborhood is also located between two major science and technology centers. These are the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus and Caltech/NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Getting Around Normandie Heights
Normandie Heights has a history of different transportation methods.
Past Transportation Systems
In the past, the neighborhood was served by the Mount Lowe Railway, which ended at Lake Avenue and Calaveras Street. It also had access to the Red Car trolley system, with its North Lake and East Washington lines. The Red Car system was a network of electric streetcars that connected many parts of Southern California.
Current Public Transport
Today, Normandie Heights is served by Metro Local lines 256 and 662. The neighborhood also has access to Pasadena ARTS bus routes 20, 31, and 32. These buses help residents travel around the area and beyond.
Notable People from Normandie Heights
- Seth Cook Rees (1854-1933), a pastor and evangelist who was an important figure in the "holiness movement."
