Pasadena’s ‘Paseo Colorado’ is an outdoor mall with luxury apartments, covering three city blocks. The Paseo has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a central feature in the Pasadena Civic Center.
Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado
From Plaza Pasadena to The Paseo
Originally, Paseo Colorado (previously called Plaza Pasadena) was a shopping mall that opened in 1980. Plaza Pasadena had many well-known stores including J.C. Penney, The Broadway, and May Company.
In the late 1990s, the retail landscape began to shift, and Plaza Pasadena faced financial challenges. The birth of online shopping, new shopping options in Downtown Pasadena, and the aging infrastructure of the mall led to a decline in the popularity and relevance of Plaza Pasadena.
In response to these challenges, developers announced plans in 1998 to demolish Plaza Pasadena and replace it with a new development. Paseo Colorado opened in 2001 as an outdoor shopping and residential center, which opened in September 2001. Paseo Colorado retained the Macy’s store from the original Plaza Pasadena but introduced additional elements like a supermarket, a movie theater complex, restaurants and new retail spaces.
Apartments near Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado
Terraces at Paseo Colorado Apartments
The Terraces at Paseo Colorado Apartments is almost in the same location as the Paseo. These luxury apartments have several different living options, including studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom apartments. The apartments at the Paseo are designed with a modern lifestyle in mind, featuring a host of amenities to combine functionality with luxury.
One of the most popular aminities at the Paseo Colorado Apartments is the swimming pool. Given Pasadena’s notably hot summers, the pool becomes a popular retreat for residents. Additionally, Paseo Colorado Apartments includes a billiards room, perfect for leisurely entertainment and socializing with friends and neighbors.
For those who work remotely or need a dedicated space for office work, Paseo Colorado Apartments also provides co-working spaces for residents.
Paseo Colorado and the Pasadena Civic Center
Paseo and Pasadena City Hall, Civic Center, and Downtown Pasadena
One of the many advantages of The Paseo’s location it is right next to Pasadena’s Civic Center. The Paseo is less than a 5-minute walk from Pasadena City Hall, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, and the Pasadena Central Library.
The Paseo is also about a 10-minute walk from Downtown Pasadena. If you live near the Paseo, you have the option of taking a quick walk to downtown Downtown Pasadena and One Colorado.
Community Engagement and Events
Cultural Celebrations and Artistic Gatherings
The Paseo hosts several community events, including a Christmas Tree Lighting, Halloween Trick or Treating, and the Pasadena Chalk Festival.
The Pasadena Chalk Festival
Another flagship event is the Pasadena Chalk Festival, held on Father’s Day weekend. This event, a Guinness World Record holder, attracts hundreds of artists nationwide, offering an interactive experience for the public with live music, children’s activities, and art in real-time.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The Paseo celebrates the festive season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. The lighting of the Christmas tree is a fun, family-friendly experience. It is especially fun for young kids to see the Christmas tree full of lights.
Hanukkah at the Paseo Colorado
Hanukkah at The Paseo Colorado is a festive celebration of the Jewish holiday. The Paseo Colorado recognizes and embraces the religious and cultural diversity of the community by hosting events and activities during Hanukkah.
During Hanukkah, visitors can expect to see the beautiful display of a large menorah at The Paseo Colorado. Lighting the menorah is a significant tradition during this eight-day holiday, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the temple.
In addition to the menorah lighting, The Paseo Colorado may organize special events like live music performances, dance presentations, arts and crafts activities, storytelling, and traditional food tastings. These events offer opportunities for the community to gather, learn, and celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah together.
The Paseo Colorado’s celebration of Hanukkah is part of their commitment to inclusivity and fostering engagement with various cultural and religious traditions. It provides a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn about the significance of Hanukkah in Jewish culture.
Father’s Day Car Show
The Paseo hosts the annual Father’s Day Car Show. The Car Show is on Green street in front of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Here, a diverse collection of classic and vintage automobiles are showcased, attracting car enthusiasts and families from various places.
Pasadena’s Paseo
Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado has transformed from a traditional mall into a vibrant outdoor shopping area with luxury apartments.
