CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY DATABASE
City of Pasadena
 
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Resource Summary
834 E CALIFORNIA Blvd
Resource Summary
Address: 834 E CALIFORNIA Blvd APN: 5721-027-005 [print]

This property is listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places. *
 
RESOURCE OVERVIEW
Address: 834 E CALIFORNIA Blvd
City: Pasadena State: CA
Zip Code: 91106 County: Los Angeles
County Code: 37
Historic Name: HASKETT COURT Common Name:
APN: 5721-027-005 Zoning:
Building Sq. Ft: Site Size (Acres): 0.400
Year Built: 1926 Documented District:
District: Property Status: Designated
Resource Description:
Haskett Court is a small bungalow court comprised of five buildings (6 units) arranged in a U-plan along a north-south central axis, the double unit closing the U at the south end and forming the focal point of the court. Although the siting of the buildings on the lot is symmetrical, the units are individualized, with varied floor plans, number of rooms, locations of entrances and so forth, creating privacy for each resident. Only the double unit at the end of the court has a symmetrical elevation.

The bungalows are reminiscent in their design of English country cottages and might almost be called Tudor Revival except for the absence of the characteristic half-timbering. They are finished in natural, unpainted stucco with heavy dark brown stained wood timbers and brackets supporting the porch overhangs. Matching dark brown wood trim surrounds the windows which are double hung, multi-paned sash in the English (Georgian) style. Most striking, however, are the massive proportions of the high, dark brown composition shingled roofs, which rise from the eaves to a ridge 18 feet from ground level, virtually doubling the height of the one story cottages and creating the impression of two-story buildings. This effect of height is further enhanced by the close proximity of the cottages to one another, particularly across the narrow space of the central walkway. The result is the impression of a narrow cottage-lined lane in a European or English village.

The cottages have notable details often found only in more expensive residences. These include tall massive battered stucco-faced fireplace chimneys; a polygonal bay which forms the porch and double entrance to the double unit at the south end, No. 828-830; a glass pane in the form of a Tudor arch in the entrance door to the owner’s unit, No. 824.

Landscaping is generally formal, in keeping with the impression of quality design and construction. A formally clipped hedge atop a low brick-capped retaining wall separates the court from the busy street. A few shallow steps edged by iron railings lead up from the sidewalk through an opening in the hedge and past a narrow strip of lawn edged by beds of annuals. Actual entry to the court is through a rustic wooden gate which leads into the courtyard proper. Large, formally clipped bushes through the court screen walls and windows, creating pleasant views from each unit. A mature and tidy rose garden is sited between Nos. 824 and 826. A large hibiscus located in front of the unusual central porch of the double unit creates a focal point for the entire court.

Cement service walkways run the length of the lot along the east and west property lines, providing service access to the rear of each cottage. A garage is sited at the rear of the lot, behind the double unit, and is a part of the original complex.
Legal Description:
SAN PASQUAL TRACT LOT COM AT NW COR OF LOT 18 OAKWOOD TR TH W 75 FT TH S 185 FT TH E 20 FT TH S 65 FT TH E 55 FT TH N 250 FT TO BEG PART OF LOT 2 BLK Q.
RESOURCE DETAILS
Primary Architectural Style: English Cottage Revival
Secondary Architectural Style:
Architect: Charles Ruhe
Builder: William B. Haskett
Contractor:
Context: Bungalow Courts 
Original Owner:
Original Use: Multi Family Residence
Original Location:
Demolished: no
Notes:
Moved: no
Date Moved: n/a
Designation Date: n/a
Mills Act: A contract and work program
was recorded in 12/31/2009

* This is a simplified statement of the property's status. Please review the NRHP Status Code field on the search screen for official, adopted status language.