June 23, 2015
ArtCenter College of Design Submits Development Master Plan Application to the City of Pasadena
ArtCenter Master Plan Focuses on "One College, One Community"
June 23, 2015, Pasadena, Calif. – ArtCenter College of Design today submitted its Development Master Plan application to the City of Pasadena, officially launching the review process of an ambitious long-term strategy to improve educational facilities at its two Pasadena-based campuses and provide much-needed housing for its students.
The proposed ten-year Master Plan encompasses both Hillside and South campuses, with new growth taking place on the latter. Focused on creating "one college, one community," the Master Plan reflects ArtCenter's effort to connect its two physically distinct campuses through thoughtful development of technology resources, multi-modal transportation systems, community gathering points and on-the-ground resources.
"ArtCenter's master plan is not fundamentally about buildings," said ArtCenter President, Dr. Lorne M. Buchman. “It is rather a mission-driven plan designed to support our mandate to provide a talented and diverse student population with the educational resources they need to develop their professional and personal voice. In doing so, the College will affirm our position as an institute of higher learning in a city known for innovation, art, culture and science."
ArtCenter will focus new facilities at its ten-year old South Campus located in the area around South Raymond Ave. near the City’s Glenarm Power Plant. Currently the campus includes the 950 S. Raymond building, the recently renovated former U.S. Postal Service building at 870 S. Raymond, and the newly purchased 1111 S. Arroyo Parkway office building (the former Jacobs Engineering headquarters).
During Phase I of the Master Plan, ArtCenter is proposing to build affordable student housing on the surface parking lot at 988 S. Raymond, adjacent to the 950 building. Additionally, both the 950 and 1111 buildings will undergo internal renovations to accommodate more academic and administrative space. Phase I also includes the addition of a pedestrian bridge between the 988 and 1111 sites to provide a more efficient and safer walking route for students. During Phase II, ArtCenter is proposing additional student housing on a parcel at 888 S. Raymond. Alternatively, the 888 site may house academic facilities only. Phase II will also include continued renovations to the 1111 building, as well as the construction of an elevated quad to further accommodate safer student access over the Metro line and provide more open space.
While improvements to the College’s Hillside Campus facilities are being proposed, there will be no increase in net square footage. During Phase I of the Master Plan process, the landmark Craig Ellwood-designed building will only undergo interior renovations. Additionally, the open-air Sinclaire Pavilion will be enclosed to provide additional academic space and the temporary modular annex will be removed. Finally, solar panel canopies are being considered in the north and south parking lots, along with improvements to the main entrance of the College to better accommodate shuttles and provide additional security. During Phase II, there are plans to transform an existing facilities building into a commuter service center.
As previously announced, ArtCenter has retained Michael Maltzan Architecture to oversee the development of buildings and spaces.
About ArtCenter
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design (artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers 11 undergraduate and six graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design, visual and applied arts. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves members of the Greater Los Angeles region through a highly regarded series of year-round educational programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College's long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
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Contact:
Jered Gold
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Art Center College of Design
626-396-2251
jered.gold@artcenter.edu