Eliot iconic tower (File Photo – Staff)
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced that demolition efforts will begin Monday, June 30, 2025, at Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, following extensive damage caused by the Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
The demolition marks the first phase of a long-term reconstruction project aimed at transforming the campus into a modern, resilient learning environment.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will lead the removal of the severely damaged auditorium and north wing of the historic campus while stabilizing remaining structures. The Eaton Fire caused widespread destruction across the Eliot Arts campus and surrounding neighborhood, displacing students and staff and prompting an emergency response from the district.
“Our entire community is heartbroken by the devastation of our historic Eliot Arts campus, but we will rise above this,” said PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee. “This is an opportunity to create a new space that captures the spirit of our school and serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for our students, staff, and the entire Pasadena community.”
In the aftermath of the fire, PUSD swiftly mobilized to support affected families and staff. Students from Eliot Arts were relocated to McKinley School (K-8), where they continue their studies as the district works on a long-term vision for rebuilding.
Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the new campus: “Eliot Arts is an integral part of our community, and we are committed to rebuilding a campus that honors its legacy while embracing the future. We want to ensure that community voices are heard throughout this process, and we will incorporate their ideas into a design that is safe, innovative, and inspiring for generations to come.”
The multi-year rebuild will prioritize upgraded infrastructure, enhanced fire-safety systems, and state-of-the-art educational spaces. PUSD plans to create a campus that is not only safer and more accessible, but also better equipped to foster creativity and academic excellence.
Planning for the future of Eliot Arts is currently underway, with opportunities for community input expected in the coming months.
Eliot Arts Magnet Academy…..really?
Eliot Middle School?
Eliot Junior High, that’s where I went to school.