A President's Day Tribute to Nature

Once upon a time not so long ago, Americans celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12th and George Washington's birthday on February 22nd. The creation of President's Day by Congress certainly added a 3-day weekend of relaxation for Americans but in the process we've lost an annual focus on the exceptional leadership of these two men and what inspired them during times of adversity.

What Washington and Lincoln had in common was they were both nature boys. While Lincoln grew up in a log cabin and Washington on a plantation, both were part of an agricultural society where interacting and being close to nature informed their upbringing and politics.

Mostly lost in modern holiday celebrations is how both the Age of Reason and direct observation of nature influenced our early leaders in molding and later preserving our democracy.  While it is still debatable whether Washington and Lincoln were in fact deists, it is unmistakable that they believed in divine creation, man/woman's ability to reason, and the ability for humans to behave morally.

They looked to nature for models of how systems and animals integrated together to work in harmony. Washington sought to bring 'a more perfect union' and Lincoln to save 'a house divided against itself.'

Today, instead of shopping and 'hanging out,' let's take our children for a walk in nature and reflect on how our natural environment shaped both our presidents' lives and our national identity.

Arroyo Property of the Week - REAL Lofts in Pasadena

When people think of lofts, they generally think of transit-oriented projects or Downtown Los Angeles pied a terres.

But the Eastside of Pasadena has been home to a terrific real loft community since 1992 when an innovative entrepreneur (way before lofts were hot stuff) stumbled upon a sad, badly bruised cluster of warehouses that even the bank did not want to own.

With vision and cooperation from the City of Pasadena, the Studios at Walnut became the first project of 13 units allocated by the City for live/work lofts.

Today, the Studios sit at the juncture of the growing renaissance of East Pasadena. Just a couple blocks from the Gold Line Station and Colorado Boulevard, the Studios boast a terrific walkability score of 72 and amazing bicycle commuting mobility.

This enclave of artists and creative professionals allows both privacy and community in one of the true urban settings in Pasadena.

Designed as rental units (yes, that's right, you don't need to buy one to live here), the Studios are almost always fully leased.

So that's why the current availability of two units for rent present such a terrific opportunity for the artistically minded, especially with the new home of the Noises Within Theatre Company Complex just a few blocks away.

Don't miss this rare chance to experience real loft living in Pasadena.  Find out more at info@studiosatwalnut.com or 626-578-1696.

Arroyo Property of the Week - Open Super Bowl Sunday

No other property lifestyle symbolizes Arroyo Culture more than the quintessential Bungalow Courtyard.

Now, a rare opportunity to own one of these adorable bungalows in Pasadena has arrived, blending the best of history recognized by a National Register of Historic Places Designation with the finest in modern amenities.

This new-to-the-market charmer was designed by renowned architect Cyril Bennett, AIA, circa 1915, during the era of the California Arts & Crafts Movement.

Totally restored, refreshed and updated with a modern kitchen and bath, 291 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, is a two bedroom, one bath bungalow of 792 square feet on a 1792 square foot lot, with private back patio.

Listed at an affordable $344,500 (not a misprint!), this cozy retreat boasts an amazing 92 walkability score due to its proximity to Pasadena City Hall, the Central Library, Paseo Colorado and Old Pasadena. Ditch your car (although you can rent a monthly parking space behind the bungalows for $80 a month) and bicycle through one of California's prettiest cities the way that Albert Einstein once did. Pasadena's terrific bicycle culture means convenient bike racks and bicycle access to the nearby Memorial Park Gold Line Rail Station, whisking you to Downtown Los Angeles and other work and play destinations.


Can't wait to see this gem? No need to worry!

Stop by its first public viewing on Sunday, February 6th from 12 noon to 3:00pm. I'll be there to show this darling home to you. Yes, it's Super Bowl Sunday, so you can both house shop, then stroll down to the YardHouse in Paseo Colorado to watch the game at 3:30pm.

291 N. Garfield is the perfect place for a sustainable lifestyle: historical details+modern amenities+walkability+affordability in highly desirable Pasadena. Stop by and see for yourself!