It could have just been a crummy sidewalk. Add a few arches, vines, wooden beams, pendant lamps, square tiles, silver tables, big splashes of sunlight... and voila! It's art! Right next to the laundromat.
Judy: This is taken from right next to Winchell's Donuts looking toward the laundromat and the barber shop. The Winchell's crowd, to the extent they stay, drink their coffee inside in plastic booths. The people outside with the coffee and laptops are across the parking lot at Starbucks.
You just never know where you will find art. In this case, right next to the laundromat. But the setting is very pretty and I would gladly eat donuts there.
You know, for a strip mall, this one is really photogenic. I should create a tag category for all the late afternoon pictures I've posted. How can you not love arches, vines and little cafe tables?
I have often wondered why the Winchells crowd stays inside at those plastic booths when the sweet little bistro sets are right out the door.
The Winchell's people are a different breed, Laurie.
Welcome Colette. You should also take a look at the South Pasadena Patch website. If you have any questions, we'll all be happy to help.
Farmgirl - You're a fan of Nanci Griffith? Way cool. I know her stuff and saw a free concert she did in Riverfront Park in Nashville awhile ago. I'm also a fan of Pete and Maura Kennedy, who used to be in Nanci's band.
this actually used to be a bland strip mall (white stucco walls and all) until they renovated a few years back. they literally added arches, vines, wooden beams, pendant lamps, tiles, and tables to transform it into what it is today.
I didn't realize the mall hadn't always had those arches. They've been there since we moved in '07 and I just assumed it was an 80s structure. I'm glad for the addition because it really makes going to OSH a reason to take my camera!
Colette, aren't you glad you're moving here? You already have a gaggle of friends in the neighborhood!
Welcome, Marian! I glimpsed at your blog and I must say that YOU have a beautiful eye for composition. Everyone run over to Marian's blog and check out her artwork. Gorgeous.
Thanks for all the comments, everyone. Until tomorrow...
Until Alex mentioned it, I had forgotten about the remodel. What I think happened is that this north part of the strip mall had been there for many years, then the south part of the mall was built within the last decade. More recently, the north part was remodeled to match the south part. I believe there used to be a gas station at the corner of Fair Oaks and W. State.
While I'm thinking of it Earl and Alex, what was Mike and Anne's restaurant originally? A tire store or a car dealership? I know Trish has mentioned it before but I forgot. Momnesia brain. I swear I need to write things on myself like Memento.
Firestone Tires. It was basically a car-repair garage with several bays, and what is now the courtyard was the parking area. As car-repair places go, it was quite stylish.
Here's what DBW said about it on your blog in December 2009: "For many decades this was a Firestone tire store housed in a 1920's mediterranean style building."
yep, it was a Firestone! they were actually a very affordable shop in the '90s, my dad got his old Merc serviced there until it shuttered thanks to the whole Explorer Firestone debacle.
I've only been here for a few years but I already think of the new theater on El Centro as being where Dynasty Iron Doors was. (I know there was a nursery there for years but I wasn't here then.) I also look at the expansion of My Sweet Cupcake and feel bad for the loss of Gracie's Market. I can't imagine what it's like to have seen the changes over decades. Makes me appreciate how much HASN'T changed.
Little Bit, Jon and I were back in our old LA west side 'hood recently and I was already surprised at how much was totally different just since we moved.
In December of 2007, after many years on the west side of Los Angeles (and at least a third of those years spent stuck in traffic on Pico Boulevard) my family settled into a happy little house in South Pasadena. This daily blog covered almost 5 years as I put down roots in my new home town -- and almost 5 more as I settled in and became a South Pas old-timer. Here it is...my time capsule of South Pasadena.
You can always find the blog at its original address:
Entanglement. Schrödinger said it was the defining trait of quantum theory. What is it? It’s that quirky talent discovered by quantum p...
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27 comments:
Siesta time in South Pas? I can't decide what I want to read here.
Very nice! I love the vines growing up the columns. Can't believe the tables aren't full of coffee drinkers or people on their laptops.
Judy: This is taken from right next to Winchell's Donuts looking toward the laundromat and the barber shop. The Winchell's crowd, to the extent they stay, drink their coffee inside in plastic booths. The people outside with the coffee and laptops are across the parking lot at Starbucks.
You just never know where you will find art. In this case, right next to the laundromat. But the setting is very pretty and I would gladly eat donuts there.
Laundromat Art! Bravo!!
V
That looks great in black and white!
Hi you guys,
You know, for a strip mall, this one is really photogenic. I should create a tag category for all the late afternoon pictures I've posted. How can you not love arches, vines and little cafe tables?
I have often wondered why the Winchells crowd stays inside at those plastic booths when the sweet little bistro sets are right out the door.
Love reading your blog!
We will be moving to South Pasadena this summer and I have a son that will be starting at South Pasadena Middle School in the Fall.
Just looking to find the perfect home in the 'hood which can be tough from across the country.
Your blog makes me feel part of my new community :)
Welcome, Colette! I hope you love South Pas as much as much as we do! Join in the conversation here and feel free to email me with any questions.
Laurie...fabulous photo of such a generic place.
And welcome to Colette..you have found the best blog to follow, especially in getting to know our wonderful town of South Pasadena.
Very cool shot.
"Art right next to the laundromat" sounds like the title of a Nanci Griffith song.
Looks charming. It is odd that the seats are empty.
The Winchell's people are a different breed, Laurie.
Welcome Colette. You should also take a look at the South Pasadena Patch website. If you have any questions, we'll all be happy to help.
Farmgirl - You're a fan of Nanci Griffith? Way cool. I know her stuff and saw a free concert she did in Riverfront Park in Nashville awhile ago. I'm also a fan of Pete and Maura Kennedy, who used to be in Nanci's band.
Collette...you couldn't have found a better introduction to your move than Glimpses of So Pas!!! It's a delightful town!!!
You have such a good eye for composition!!
I feel like I should welcome Colette too, even though I live thousands of miles away! I have such a connection with everyone at the blog.
Watched a cool blurb about San Luis Obisbo today. It is labeled "the Happiest City in the US." I think Suth Pasadena might run a close 2nd.
this actually used to be a bland strip mall (white stucco walls and all) until they renovated a few years back. they literally added arches, vines, wooden beams, pendant lamps, tiles, and tables to transform it into what it is today.
I didn't realize the mall hadn't always had those arches. They've been there since we moved in '07 and I just assumed it was an 80s structure. I'm glad for the addition because it really makes going to OSH a reason to take my camera!
Colette, aren't you glad you're moving here? You already have a gaggle of friends in the neighborhood!
Welcome, Marian! I glimpsed at your blog and I must say that YOU have a beautiful eye for composition. Everyone run over to Marian's blog and check out her artwork. Gorgeous.
Thanks for all the comments, everyone. Until tomorrow...
Until Alex mentioned it, I had forgotten about the remodel. What I think happened is that this north part of the strip mall had been there for many years, then the south part of the mall was built within the last decade. More recently, the north part was remodeled to match the south part. I believe there used to be a gas station at the corner of Fair Oaks and W. State.
While I'm thinking of it Earl and Alex, what was Mike and Anne's restaurant originally? A tire store or a car dealership? I know Trish has mentioned it before but I forgot. Momnesia brain. I swear I need to write things on myself like Memento.
Firestone Tires. It was basically a car-repair garage with several bays, and what is now the courtyard was the parking area. As car-repair places go, it was quite stylish.
Here's what DBW said about it on your blog in December 2009: "For many decades this was a Firestone tire store housed in a 1920's mediterranean style building."
You da man, Earl. (And you too, DB.)
yep, it was a Firestone! they were actually a very affordable shop in the '90s, my dad got his old Merc serviced there until it shuttered thanks to the whole Explorer Firestone debacle.
I've only been here for a few years but I already think of the new theater on El Centro as being where Dynasty Iron Doors was. (I know there was a nursery there for years but I wasn't here then.) I also look at the expansion of My Sweet Cupcake and feel bad for the loss of Gracie's Market. I can't imagine what it's like to have seen the changes over decades. Makes me appreciate how much HASN'T changed.
Little Bit, Jon and I were back in our old LA west side 'hood recently and I was already surprised at how much was totally different just since we moved.
Thanks Laurie and new friends for the warm Pasadena welcome!
I feel I am getting my "glimpses" and warm welcomes. We are very excited about becoming part of this community this summer :)
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