Building A is a two-level building with ground floor commercial/retail and one level of studio lofts above. The commercial level consists of several storefronts along Mission Street, a café facing the town square, and Citizen's Business bank proudly anchoring the corner of Fair Oaks and Mission. The design for Building A was derived after extensive research of historic (now demolished) and existing buildings. Mission Street is a collection of multiple façade types representing buildings that were built for different uses over the years. Although the exhisting building heights vary, there are similarities among them that have been maintained in the design of the new buildings.
Measurements were taken of existing storefronts, awnings, and openings. Historic (now demolished) buildings were reviewed and the design was scaled to mimic a series of smaller buildings with façade architecture and storefronts completed in more finished materials while the sides and back express utilitarian usage -- more accurately expressing the look, feel, and construction methods of historic South Pasadena. Because of the multiple façades represented, a range of materials is being used to ensure a complementary sense of place and an organic sensibility. Primarily, brick and plaster will be used for the building surface and a combination of casements in metal or wood. All main retail openings and points of entry will have an awning or canopy, even on the north side, to soften and maintain the continuity of pedestrian experience on both sides of the street.
The back of the building(s) project the appearance of adaptive reuse. Design elements represent old loading docks and service entries, converted to modern uses while keeping the visual charm of their original function. These facades have eclectic openings reflecting a distant past, as well as introducing new modern elements.