Pasadena Library, 2025 (Photo – W.K.)
In a significant step toward restoring one of Pasadena’s most treasured landmarks, the Pasadena City Council voted during its July 21, 2025 meeting to approve a contract with PCL Construction Services, Inc. The agreement allows the City to begin the seismic retrofit and repair of the Pasadena Central Library, which has been closed since 2021 due to structural safety concerns.
By News Desk
The library, originally opened in 1927 and designed by esteemed architect Myron Hunt, is a key fixture of Pasadena’s historic Civic Center. Prior to its closure, it served over 1,000 visitors daily and hosted nearly 900 community events annually, making it a vital hub for education, research, and public programming.
The closure stemmed from the discovery of unreinforced masonry construction, which posed a seismic risk. In response, Pasadena voters passed Measure PL in November 2024, authorizing $195 million in bond funding to support the building’s seismic retrofit and renovation.
The project is currently in the design phase, led by Gruen Associates in collaboration with a historic preservation consultant and a Mayor-appointed Technical Oversight Committee (TOC). The City is employing the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) model to streamline the process, allowing PCL Construction Services to engage early in the design and ensure coordination, cost control, and risk mitigation.
The newly approved contract covers Phase 1 (preconstruction) and Phase 1A (selective demolition), marking the first tangible construction steps in the library’s long-awaited comeback.
For more information on the Pasadena Central Library Retrofit and Building Repairs Project, residents are encouraged to visit the City’s official website.
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