Caltech Research Building Faces Community Opposition Ahead of Review

The upcoming design review meeting for a proposed research building at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is poised to generate significant community opposition. Scheduled for January 27, 2024, the Pasadena Design Commission will consider the concept design for a four-story facility located at 1364 E. Green St., adjacent to a church and school.

Last month, the commission chose to delay its decision on the project, which encompasses a total area of 93,539 square feet and includes plans for 260 subterranean parking spaces. City officials have recommended the design for approval, as outlined in a recent staff report. However, this recommendation follows the proposed removal of two protected trees: a California fan palm and an incense cedar. The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee approved the tree removals back in September.

The project, referred to as the Innovation Center, aims to function as a research and development office space, complete with laboratory areas to support Caltech’s expanding startup ecosystem. According to the university, the design intends to mitigate potential impacts related to traffic, air quality, and noise while enhancing job opportunities and economic benefits for the local community.

Opposition has emerged primarily from the St. Philip the Apostle Church and the school community located next to the proposed site. Concerns have been raised regarding traffic congestion, security issues, privacy, and the overall scale of the building. An online petition opposing the project has gained traction, amassing over 1,300 signatures as of Monday afternoon. Additionally, the city has received more than a dozen written comments voicing public dissent regarding the Caltech initiative.

Pastor Tony Gomez expressed the church’s changing stance in a letter dated January 23, 2024. He indicated that a group of parishioners with expertise in planning and development conducted a thorough review of the proposal. Following these discussions, the church concluded it could no longer support the project in its current form. Gomez encouraged parishioners and parents to attend the commission meeting to voice their concerns.

The special meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 E. Green St. As the meeting approaches, the outcome remains uncertain amid the growing community sentiment against the proposed research facility.

As the commission prepares to deliberate, the potential implications for both Caltech and the local residents are significant, raising questions about community engagement in urban development projects.