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LMTLD.STAlfcSULPARlMLNTOh THtlNILRlORNATIONAL PARK SERVICE

NATIONAL ?^C-::3'i'":i O71 If STCIUC PLACES INVENTORY -1-JOMINATION FO3M

DATA oM^-r— — ». • !'- *- - - i

V.-,. .n»i ..wwi iwuo i.i n^'ir . U<*^.-.ii'Ltltr\AiiL.!,'}AL f.^GtC TZX f £?/?A _______________TY?£ ALL ENTIRES •- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS

iJNAMEH.'STCR'C \ . 1^:3* i Grac^ Nicholson,Building

Pacificjlture-^isia

LOCATIONSTREETS. NUMBER

45 N. Los Robles l\ve,— NOTfOB PUBUCA TICN

CONGSESSiOSALO.S'HlCT

Calif. 22

[^CLASSIFICATION

CATEGORY OWNERSHIP

COUNTY CO'Jc

pity of Pasadena

100 x. Garfield

[^LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION

QOr. 107 City

REPRESENTATION !N EXI3TIXG SURVEYS^ Architectural o. historical inventory. City of Pasadena, Nov. 1976. 3. City of Pasadena Cultural Heritage Landmark, No. 2, 8-10-.75. PV?tr(3 " ^ a ndma r ̂ f T Q7n hy I-o.s__ jV.nggT fiP; g qj tn.r." l_CfLfJ ta.ga.. P.nard__________

Jl'

COMD

— IXCELLtNT

XGQOO

DESCThe Jrace Nicho is located on a store. The area from the central The building fol" ancient (9th ce:V ing style of chi treasures and a ; is an outstandir.- resembles this ; , However, -the .\ic: and earthquake r- Authenticity of -. tive roof tiles, fully executed r Entering from th overlay of a "t_ that are tradit.i tiles on the rcc grill entrance - into the central

The rest of the : is arranged in " sides of the rec balance.) The ou- four corners in t design and also :. typical Chinese -- secured and .r.ore unit. The mirror protected: the re outside street «'.- elements.The museum exliici garden and basica' mirroring each c area and. connects{The two-story val structures of So;. were placed near • in the middlej la extension of the fact, this featur plan. Because of - Treasure House, t'

The first floor i hasfine Oriental ^ second floor of

CHECKCN6

RUINS UN£X POSED

X" ")RtG!HAl S'Tf —WOVtO O

PERIOD AREAS OF S.'G'i'fiC.-

———————— DESCRIBE THS PRESENT AND Of?iG;NAL ('f KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

The Grace Nicholson Building, occupied by the Pacificulture-flsia Museum, is located on a downtown Pasadena street opposite a major department store. The area includes small shops and parking lots. It is one block fror. the central downtown thoroughfare.The building fellows the Imperial Palace courtyard style, which is an ancient (9th century to the esrly 20th century) stone-constructed build- in? style of Chinese architecture originally used as a repository for , treasures and a retreat for ths Eyperor. The Palace of Fine >irts in Peking is an outstanding example of this style. The Nicholson Building clcsely resembles this Palace and the National History Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. However, the Nicholson building is constructed of concrete and is fire and earthquake resistant. A steal beam understructurs is used throughout. Authenticity of the Chinese style was insured by having all of the decora­ tive roof tiles, wood, stone and marble carvings made in China or faith­ fully executed by Pasadena-area craftsmen.Entering from the street, one sees the concrete building with a .stucco overlay of a "tundra" color, topped with the familiar turned-up roofs that are traditional with Chinese architecture. (.See Picture I) Th-2 imported tiles en the roof are green. As would have been used by a prince,7r3d iron grill entrance gate .enbe.llished with dragons and cloud patterns, opens into the -central passageway.

The rest of the building, set back from the street by a long passageway, is arranged in "mirror" style around the courtyard garden. (The tvo long sides cr the rectangular area are duplicates of each other in perfect, balance.) The outside stairways leading to the second floor ar3 at the four corners in the garden and thus form an integral part of the overall design and also act as fire escapes.(See picture II) The idea behind this typical Chinese style is that the palace-fortress compound should be secured and more easily defended, and could operate as a self-contained unit. The mirror arrangement insures that-the space is both open and protected! the room/walls surrounding the courtyard offer no access to the outside street while the interior courtyard is exposed to the natural elements, • . „ •The museum exhibitions are in the galleries surrounding the courtyard garden _and basically in the several long galleries on the 1st floor mirroring each other. A shorter wall with gallery inside closes off the area and connects the parallel sides.(The two-story wall construction is reminiscent of the living compound structures of Southeast Asia. Fro.u very early times, separate buildings were placed near the vail of th-3 compound with an .open protected area' in the middle; later, the separate buildincrs were linked, beccvdna an extension of the wall, but tha open courtyard area regained crucial. ;-t fact, this feature has remained the most important concept in the bui:*. .7 plan. Because of faithfully following the requirements for a Chinese Treasure House, the building is secure, fireproof and earthquake prciT./ The first floor is actually devoted to exhibition space. The second f! .-r has classrooms, a library, an auditorium and office space. Shops featuring

^ndcrafted ethnic arts occupy the front

— 1«00-14Si

— 1500 1599

_- 1600 1698

— 1700-1799

— 1800 1899

X.I 500

— ARCHEOLOGY H'.STGfVC

—AGRICULTURE

X_AP.CM(TECTURE

X_AV /Culture—COVVEHCE

— COMMUNICATIONS

_CONS=*VA:.CN_£f:CNCv,cs— IOUCAT.CN

_£XPLC?ATlCS ScTIL"

—INDUSTRY

—INVENTION

SPECIFiC DATES 192-1-1929

STATEMENTc?SIGNIFICANCE j Architecture !• ftrchitectural Setting

During the latter part of the .1 20th, Pasadena attracted a cre.it r . the city first, as a excellent "/r.r remained to build second cr relir. time, fina year round dvellir.-i o: hallmatk of the city. Ccr.seqv.;-ntly an architecturally high standard •:' or since. In addition, the divert! another Pasadena tradition, ".'itr.in Tudor and Beaux Art Ri.r^ncy ecu id quality and distinctive stylo,It is logical, therefore, that th. quickly take its unquosticr.ed p-lar. rrark. This sense of spscialnrss r: at that time and for that purcicul have been built.The actual setting for tha xichol the time it was built. It was loc~ Xaryland Hotel which was, in l°2j, of the Linnard hotel chain, '-'ho :;! and the Vista del Arroyo^-c-cl3. . popular because of its ej.-;---ir.cc :•-. The Civic center had recently i- ;^n two blocks away, as it isXtoday. ~< tha area with tha Nicholson ruild: of its size and unusual style.Therefore, the building is i-.porti. tied to Pasadena history. Tha note: become shabby, but ths N'icholsor. fc- a quality and a style that one* ra.

2. Landscape Architecture

In the history of architecture, th tion is the oldest continuously us today. It in still in use in C.-.ir.s The central courtyard, or ~.editati is constructed is an outstapdir.:? e ture in America. It is <reanir~:—

Cr-f^Ko V>-3OOa ,A«v 10-7-il

I.NITLDSTATLS DtPARTMtNT OHHh INTLRIORNATIONALTAflK SERVICE

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY •- NOMINATION FORM

Form No 10 3COa (Atv 10-741

,1

FOR NPS USE ONLY

RECEIVED JAN 311977

DATE ENTERED____JUl 2 1 J?7?

CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 7 PAGE 1

There are 28,000 feet of floor space, including galleries, auditorium, storace and classrooms, with 3,000 additional square feet in the court- vard. There has been minimum structural change to the building since it vas built. For example, the large windows on the north and south sides of the courtyard have been modernized, but plans are being prepared to restore them to the original lattice work doors. In addition, the two large second floor rooms at the northeast corner have had the addition of basins vhich are necessary for their current classroom use.The courtyard garden is rich in symbolic meaning. Carved closed lotus blossoms are on each nevell post of the stone stairsteps. Carvings of cloud patterns ~»nd a flower form are also on the balustrades. (3oe piccure III) The central area contains planting and a small pool. A flagstone walk is arcand the outer area, allowing easy access to the a!"djoining rooms. On the center of the back vail (east), is a medallion, filled with dragon carvings. Each of these forms carried its own symbolic meaning,

There are stone benches in the courtyard, as well as planting to soften the vail areas, ht each corner, beside the stairsteps, there is a hand­ some "peony window", a design arrangement showing a flower form super­ imposed or overlaying on the life-giving earth, which is represented as a sguare form. (See picture IV) Jragons with long and curly tongues are on the four corners and form part of the drainpipes.

The central space in the courtyard is the garden proper, which is arranged in a traditional Chinese stvle.

| ' NATIONAL PARK .

| NATIONAL REGISTER O INVENTORY--NOM1

CONTINUATION SHEET

Major 3ibliogra_

California Sooty of j»rt", vol. 6 ' Mary Kellog, A p.. Winifred starr i>

^ Magazin Hi s torT-' Beaut];

Trust for Histoc1970; Pasa,

the City of Pas.i-Treasures in 7U-76;Civic and Cultuj Council); Pasac, Nojg (Pasadena A: Architecture, C-

• •estvays, Vol. . tr>- iJane VTpostol; Pasadona. Terry Pasadena, 197li

Other Supportin. Etc.;

1. See Pasa Grace :>i the FacL

2. pacific;

3. The Hunt Grace ;;i

4. See en.

CHECKONS

;WN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

by the Pacif iculture-Asia Museum, t opposite a raj or department 3 parking lots. It is one block

re courtyard style, vhich is an century) stone-constructed build- laily used as a repository for . The Palace 'of Fine /»rts in Peking , The :;ichol?on Building clcsely•listcry Xuseu-T. in Tnipei, Taiwan. ;r acted of concrete and is fire jr.cerstructure is used throughout, is urea by having all of the decora- carvings rr.ade in China or faith-

-T. i

:c;;crete building vith a stucco i the familiar turned -up roofs ;ecrure. (See Picture !•) The imported iv.3 been used by a prince, ̂ red iron•3go:;s and cloud patterns, 'opens

the street by a long passageway, 1 courtyard garden. (The two long iat.es of each other in perfect?to tr.e second floor are at the

; an integral part of the overall picture II) The idea behind this

-fortress compound should be uld operate as a self-contain°d t the space is both open and e courtyard offer no access to the ard is exposed to the natural

ies surrounding the courtyardgalleries en the 1st floor

th gallery in-side closes off the

, compound early .i.-es, separate buildings a vi .n an open protected ar-a" ings were linked, becoming an • f^,a : e f "< a *nSd crucial. In

, *r-r ccnc^?- in the building r<=:---^-ents for a Chinese

f and earthquake proof.)

n space. The second floor ^ office space. Shops featuring - ethr.ic arts occupy the front

PERIOD

_1400-1433

_ '500 1699

_1 600 1699 — 170O-1799

_1800 1899

XI900

V /Culture

AREAS Q?S!GM:r:CA.«iCE -- C^iCK A'iO.

__EXFj_GF.VT,CS SrTTtE\'J\T _P

_INVENTlON

5cLO'*V

SPECIFIC DATES 1924-1929

STATEMENT CF SIGNIFICANCE , Architecture "1. ^rchitect'iral s_

During tha latter part of th3 19th cent 20th, Pasadena attracted a great v.r:ny v~s] the city first, as a excellent vncatici cu remained to build second or r^Lire-.u>nt h~ time, fine year round dwelling;, of r.;r.,- ;'?: hallmark of the city. Cciise-que^-ly, ."27 :; an architecturally high rtenr.iern th: t i: " or since. In addition, tho div:-c::i^y off -^ r-r'tii" ".-ccuv:-.! another Pasadena tre.e\icion. '"ichin n.v ;-r^-:i a L-.:..V, cr. Tudor and 2aaux ^irt r.:gc^cy could ^--: :o:.-::-, r.ll .-iiM I.- quality and distinctive; £-tyl3.It is logical, therefore, th.:t th? :-:--\~i :-:ic/.cl ~: -. '-.-,-•: quickly tak-3 its unqu'sstic".-? i f :-l^z^ .; a r,.i •.'-.i:-.• ,:i ,,._ mark. T>iis sense of sp;cialnr.~5 re :;-.i.:". ::JL;/. •;,. : -.Iv at that ti-r.e and for that particular ;: :; c. - a '-j'/U :r~ have been built.

The actual setting for the N'icho1:son rull.:i;i;; -.. ;r> ;':i . the time it vas built. It vas loC'i'_-d ir;ccL-/ :----.i Maryland Hotel vhich vas, in I n 25, th_> r.;t 5-i.~.-.i "ice of the Linr.ard hotel chain, who a::o o^ir.-i '-.':: '-^eti;1. and the Vista del ;>rroyo ihotels. Th- ;:2r ,-1^-i-r K»I ! :c popular because of its eie-'rarici en- Leceu^e- ic - :: 5 cc The x^ivic center had recently, been ruilc r^^r^v, . ; :':: two blocks away, as it is\tcd-i>'. Stylish ^ce-i.il-ey :-:- the area with the Nicholson building quickly a';eu,:.rt rj of its size and unusual styl^.

Therefore, the building is important as a hictoric^l tied to Pasadena history. The hotel i3 .-cnc and .:: o 2 become shabby, but the N'icholson cuilJi-,- r-raii,:, ::s a quality and a style that cr.ca rr.ade r3"3dcna Ja.r.ous.

2. Landscap-3 Architecture!

In the history of architecture, this china~e tion is the oldest continuously usad stylo t; today. It is still in use in Chins, and niv-n.

The central courtyard, or T.e-ditaticr. g :~.rd--n nrou'd which t is constructed is an outstanding e-xamol-e* of Chine-';? ionJ.s: ture in A-nerica. It ia ,r.eanin--rJl both In /r-'-lz o.-r1- os an

••~-rr< So »,1-300« A.v 10 74!

LNI1LD STA1LS 1)1 PARTMLNT OHHh INTt-KIORNATIONAL PARK SERVICE

NATIONAL REGISTER O? HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY-NOMINATION FO^M

FORNPSOiEC.NLY

RECE.VEQJAN 3 1 1977

DATE ENTEflEO 2 1 7977

• r p'-" No :j. 'Aji 10 Mj

CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE 1

of a style that stems from a totally different ideology, h distinguished British architectural historian, Laurence Binyon, has noted that in China*a building was regarded less in itself than as a fusion of man's handiwork into nature, the vhole surroundings of the scene making part, and perhaps the chief part of the architect's conception." This state­ ment could be a description of the Nicholson garden.In Chinese .architectural history, the courtyard arrangement can be initially traced to the early vailed compound—a method of wall building stemming directly from the need to defend desirable land. Hovever, centuries ago, the open space within the center became very important in its own right and remains so in Chinese architecture. It is in the open garden area (securely enclosed) where all of nature can be represented in one small area. The four elements of nature were always represented-- earth, air, fire and vater. .Mountains, plains and living growing things were arranged in order to deepen one's awareness and sense of harmony with the universe. The success of the garden, then, lies not so much by the pleasures of being surrounded by growing plunts, but by the garden's ability to promote meditation. The Xicholson garden is con­ sidered an outstanding example? of this concept. (St;e Physical Descrip­ tion)

The garden is also rich in symbolic designs. Understanding the meanings of the symbols is critical to a true appreciation of Chinese art aud philosophy; therefore the garden offers a unique spot for further under­ standing traditional Chinese culture.As examples, walking around the garden, starting from the southwest corner, there is a "peony" windov beside the stairsteps. The peony was^the Empress's ovn flower—symbolizing everlasting beauty and produc­ tivity. The design is also a traditional onei the precious flower is surrounded or super-imposed on the life-giving earth which is shown as th: square form within the blossom.

Continuing around che garden, there is a circle design at the base of each stairway representing six stones, or more probably a flower form with a reproductive center and five petals. The arrangement's massage is that when one's five senses are fully developed and utilized, a sixth sense is^awakened which allows one to be relaxed but also totally aware, thus an integral and interacting part of one's surroundings* a Vihole has been created.

At the southeast corner, as well as all the other corners, is a closed lotus form on each newell ascending the stairwell. The closed lotus represents unawakened consciousness; as the Ictuses climb, rising enlightenment is indicated? the higher the climber goes, the more one understands, Mlegorically, the lotus vill open only when one has reached

LMU-.DSI

NATIONAL I INVENTC

CONVI NU ATI;

enlightens are still . wall, are offering v east,is a : patterns ar charge of *. torrents, .-. or destrov of try? ere destructive of both li- virtue, bl-In Chi.n.^, • understand garden is and arran: Ml of the heaven, rr.a- that it is like natur areas of e- should be there is a symbolic d and mounds bridge, wh;Cn many 1'3' tovn sett.ir press of c-" important :

3. Arch it?-

The buildi. of Xarstc",, name becau 'Taking the contributi In a large buildings, the Westrci.- downtown o still stans when the Ni

377

:-t-n No :i'-3C03

LMlhDSTAll.SDtrPARlMfcNTOh 1 lib INTI.KIURNATIONAL PARK SERVICE

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM

FOR NPS USE ONLY

RfcCEIVEDjAN 311977

I'll DATE ENTERED

1977NAT

;i distinguished :ed that in jsion of man's ;e making part f ," This state-

i.nt can beif vail building, Kovever,>ry importantIt is in the ope-

;e represented in represented—crowing things

;e QL harmonynot so rr.uch ;ut bv the rci^n is con- >icil l>=scrip-

.ng the c.saningsie;;e arc and• further uncer-

> so-thvest The peony luty and produc- :s fiover is :h is .shown as the

. the case of i fiover form Tit's rr.assaae llized, a sixth ' totally aware, •gsi a *hole has

i is a closed osed .lotus '» rising the core one

one has reached

CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE 2

enlightenment in all of one's senses. The stone lotuses on the stairways are still climbing. In addition, at all the corners and in the central wall, are_the._DrjDtective dragons vi^h^^LXtrLa—loa^-^aod-jiiarJ^— toaguesoffering valuable protection at- vulnerable spots. On the center wall, east, is a fine medallion, full of fiery dragons. Dragons and cloud "patterns are also the motifs of the entrance gates. The dragon is in charge of the sky and the sky brings life-giving rain or catastrophic torrents, as veil as the powerful sun that can urge the crops to maturity, or destroy them vith searing heat. In .Asia, the dragon is a recognition of the creative power of the universe. This image f ncompasses both the destructive and regenerative strength of naturet the dragons are guardians of both life and death. They are also said to be carriers of harmony, virtus, blessings and riches, and guard against fire.In Chin3, a garden's success is measured by its ability to bring a deeper understanding of nature into one's heart and horr.e. h Chinese courtyard garden is designed to incorporate all of the elements of the universal and arranaed to provide the same visual harmony as is found in nature. All of- the elo.T.ents of matter must be symbolically present. The unity of heav-in, man and earth is indicated in a successful garden. The thought Isthat it i: a garden vhere mail learns to create with the "second nature"like nature itself. The garden should be arranged so that there are many areas of excitement and interest and transitional links between spaces should be dramatic. Within the small courtyard area of the museum garden, there is ample illustration of these precepts. In addition to the symbolic designs, there is a pool, grov.-ing plants, trees, moonstones and mounds to represent hills. The original garden also contained a bridge, which it is hoped will be replaced in the near future.On many levels and in several ways, then, an oasis is created in a dovn- tovn setting. In this garden, one can literally be a long way from the press of everyday street activity and traffic. This fact alone is important ir. understanding the special nature of the Nicholson building,

3. Architects

The building vas designed by the leading Pasadena architectural firm of Marston, Van Felt and Maybury. The firm still remains an important name because of the number and high quality buildings they produced. 'Taking the body of thair work as a whole, they made a significant contribution by providing buildings of lasting quality for Pasadena. In a large and varied practive, -Lhey built both residential and office buildings, including the Mark Keppel High Sch. :, Eliot Junior High, the Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Athl-'U :? Club and numerous^ downtown office buildings and shops. A number >+Z major Pasadena residences still stand as a testament to the firm»s tale-t 3nd ability. In 1925, : when the Nicholson building was underway, the jr:-stlgious Southland <

21 &77

= stairways; central:oues;r vail,:loud: is in^trophicto maturity, ^cognitionboth the ire uardian

LTig a deeper "curtyard :r.iv^rsdl i nature. ie unity of : thought Is jcor.ci nature >3 are many :n spaces• ear:, garden,

istcr.es .ned a

in a dovn- fro.t the

J is• building.

H firmiporcantKJuc-id.:antsadeni.id office' High,'.erousia residences:n 1925,

Fvrm No 1f> 30O« iA«» !0-74i

fMlhDSTATLSDLPARVMtNTOK I HL INTt.RlORNATIONAL PARK SERVICE

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PAGE 3

Magazine commented "it is far and away the most beautiful and interesting commercial building that Pasadena can boast."

Grace Nicholson said of her building that it was meant to* wear in, not to vear out. H The integrity of the architect's plans and the excellence of construction faithfully carried out her wishes and are as valid today as they were 50 years ago.

It is one of the handful of buildings in America that is closely modeled after a distinct and authentic Chinese style, but is built with numerous quality Western construction methods. (See Physical Description) The building immediately became a distin­ guished city landmark, comparable in tourist attraction to the California Institute of Technology, and the City Hall. In 1929, vhen it was finished, it was given an award by the national American Institute of Architects.

Significance; Art/Culture

Grace I.'icholson, who had the building designed and built, vas a remarkable person in her own right. Consequently, recognition of her building — in her honor — would be appropriate. She vas born in Philadelphia in 1373 and was orphaned at an early age. Because of her interest in American Indians, she cane to Calif­ ornia. She settled in Pasadena, being especially drawn to the city because of its natural beauty and its growing recognition as a cultural oasis. Her first job was in a downtown bank: at $3 per week;. A deep fascination with the history, culture and customs of the Indians led to the idea of having a shop so she could help preserve their traditional arts by selling their baskets. and fine handicrafts, she rented an old paint store on Raymond Ave. and soon was selling a number of quality Indian artifacts. Her venture was so successful that within a year, she was seeking larger space which was found at two buildings, 44 and 46 North Los Robles, Pasadena. Within three years, she had bought both properties.

In the meantime, she had become interested in China and began studying itr customs, art and philosophy. She continued thesestudies the r-ast of her ledge of 3url ".hiss. Chin- that people could learr, point of vi • . she also valuable to rsterners r.conceptions balance.

i, giving freely to others her knov- :ymbolism and mythology. She believed

, from understanding the Oriental ieved that the art of China is most ;se of its similarity to western

0

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Sh­aninvi^imi ; •thansaiCri

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Fr me cr*•':••

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7JUL 211377

jautiful and boast.":eant to wear ;'s plans and out her wishes

that is closely•le, but is r.ethods. (S3e ra.r.e a d is tin- action to the-all. In 1929, e national

-J Vll4 1 I- T..-J ~~> C Li -L -L w , • t d 3

y, recognition te. She was an early age. crt-ne to Calif- cr-zr.-m to the p recognition cvn bank, atculture and

a shop so she ling their >aint store on lity Indian .hin a year, she iuildinga, 44 •ears, she had

.na and b'ecan' itinued these /nershar knov- jy. She believed :he OrientalChina is c.ostto vestern

>f harcr.or.y and

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0

She started including fine art objects from China, Japan, Korea and other areas of the 1-ir East in her shop. As her knowledge and interest grew, so did her business. She was soon amassing an impressive Oriental art collection and was selling over half a million dollars vorth of art a year. During her career, she said that she olaced rcore than 40,000 art objects in leading art museums and with individual collectors all over America and Europe. It is said that she vas the one who first interested Avery Brundage in Oriental art; today the 3rundage collection remains internationally famous. Many pieces from her own American Indian collection were given to the Southwest Kuseura in Los Angeles.Her garden, full of its symbolic meanings, is, in a literal sen^e, an expression of the importance she attached to understanding Oriental culture. The more people who appreciate and continue to enjoy the courtyard garden, the more her dream of furthering understanding of the Orient is fulfilled.

From 1919 to 192-1, Xiss '.-.'icholson studied photographs of the most famous, temples and palaces in China as a start towards creatin-r her own Treasure House. In 1924, she as!v?d the firm of

art and cultural activities. In 1926 when Grace ..'icholson opened this unigue Treasure House, it became an immediate center for the arts in Pasadena. Here were shown not only museurr. quality Oriental art objects, but also the -works of local, national ̂ and ̂ inter­ nationally famous living artists. The upstairs auditoriur. vu - used frequently fay manj film, trusic and lecture groups, such- as the Colerrian Chamber Music Association. .Music and art teachers gave lessons in the classrooms where later, the Junior League of Pasadena started the Youth l\rt v.'orkshop. The _ Pasadena Arts Council had its inception in the Hicholson Building in 1952.

The building vas deeded to the city of Pasadena in 1943, and the Pasadena Art Institute became the lessee. The narre was subsequent­ ly -hanged to the Pasadena Art Hus-aurn, and became world famous

• vith its collection of the "3lue Four" painters given by Galka Scheyer. The museum vas also well known as one of the leading s^al museums in the vorld devoted to showing modern art.

When the museurr, left the premises in 1970 to occupy its ov^ building in ciodem design, the Pacificulture Foundation, which had long been devoted to the idea of preservation of the Mcholson building and its restoration to a use compatible with its origins, became its tenants.

NA',

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ra pan, Korea knowledge and issing an vver half a ;er, she said iing art muse.urr.s Europe. It is

/ srundage in internationallyilecricn were

literal

j continue to arthering

The Pacif.xculture Foundation believes that the potential of the building is being realized in its on-gcing activities. However, the building itself is crucial to the activities of the museum.

As explained above, the building offers an opportunity to explore and further understand Asian culture and actively creates an environment where one can obtain a deeper appreciation of the Asian and Pacific areas.In addition, the individuality of the bir ' ding is in har.r.ony with the museum's many-sided offerings. The ^arden courtyard is frequently used for community gatherings and the auditoriu.r. and classrooms are necessary for the lectures, classes and films that are an integral part of the museum's community outreach.

r.s of the tovares the firm of Architecture eritage of iated v:ith hoIson opened center for the uality Oriental and inter- toriuT. vu> iups, such as t teachers iicr League of ma Arts Council

1943, and the vas subsequent- Forld famous ren by Gal lea :he leading small

r its ovn new ition, vhich had le i\icholson Lth its origins,

o

J2ZL

-louse T- by-" by-"T.erce '" , 1 9 o 3 j i by the Lionel X, No. £ :d by t:y ana

1971, -pp

ace "C--r.d

the and

on

IMAJQH BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCESSee Attached Sheet

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA

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LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES

Not applicable

jFOHM PREPARED BYNAME/TITLE Polly Brewer, Public Information NOV. 10, 1976

ORGANIZATION

Facificulture-Asia MuseumDATE

449-2742STREETS Ml M3ER

45 \\ Los Robles , Pasadena, 91109TELEPHONECalif.

OTYORTOWN STATE

ESTATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATIONTHE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS

NATIONAL__ STATE___ LOCAL _X_

As the designated State H.stonc Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Puo<.c Law89-63S). I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and qtrtify tfat it has ber"i evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the Nation

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION Of FICER SIGNA

m the National Register and certify that ii >nat Park Service/ / / 'If

ft I J /V//lATURg Y/l/W /^ /{ ,'•/ l<

i. / i^S

STATiOf CAU

OFFICE OF Hi:DEPARTMENT OF PA K)ST OfHCJ 8OX 2390 SACRAMENTO, CAllFORNi,

January 11,

Dr. Willia- Keeper of t U. S. Depar 18th and C ; Washington,

Attention:

We subnit ( of Historic, the 22nd C;?

Sincerely,

Dr. Knox N. Historic P:

Enclosures

K-A/2402

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