Former Pasadena Elementary School Site Eyed For Housing Development

PASADENA, CA — The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will consider an agreement on Thursday that would advance discussions about residential development at the former Linda Vista Elementary School site while preserving the existing neighborhood park.

The proposed agreement with InSite Realty Advisors concerns the district-owned property at 1259 Linda Vista Ave. In June, the board authorized district staff to negotiate the agreement with the selected developer. Those negotiations are now complete.

Board approval would open a period during which PUSD and the developer would study the site, seek community input, refine a development proposal and assess whether the project is financially feasible.

The agreement would not authorize construction or approve a final project, ground lease or site plans, officials said. City planning approvals and environmental review would still be required, and any final lease or project agreement would return to the school board for a separate public vote.

According to the district, the existing park and recreational space would remain in their current location, size and footprint, as required by the proposed agreement and the board’s direction.

The property has been closed as a school for many years. Part of the site serves as a neighborhood park and open space through a joint-use arrangement with the city of Pasadena.

PUSD is exploring a long-term lease or development partnership for a portion of the property that could generate revenue for students and district priorities. The district would retain ownership of the land, and community use of the park would continue.

“Our commitment to this community hasn’t changed since June,” PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “The park will remain in its current location and at its current size, and we continue to take the question of overall density seriously."

She called the agreement "an early step, not a final project," adding that "before anything comes back to the Board for a public vote, families and neighbors will have continued opportunities to ask questions, share their priorities, and help shape what comes next.”

If the board OKs the deal, InSite Realty Advisors would study the property and gather community feedback through a district-approved outreach plan. PUSD and InSite would then refine the proposal based on those findings, community priorities and requirements from city officials.

Residents can review meeting materials on the PUSD Board of Education website, submit written comments via publiccomment@pusd.us or speak at the meeting. Background information on the proposed development is available at pusd.us/amp.