Pasadena Magazine is the bi-monthly magazine of Pasadena and its surrounding areas – the diverse, historically rich and culturally vibrant region that includes Glendale, the Eastside of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Claremont.
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2016, it made the list on the California Register of Historical Resources. By February 2016, still not knowing what exactly to do with the land, the city opened it up to the development community and began accepting bids. Some proposals included turning the space into a medical offi ce, a ritzy hotel, or housing. Ultimately, they chose the one that would allow the city to retain the most control over the property and keep most of the historical structure intact. The selected pro- posal, from local developers, Gangi Architects, would convert 14-15 cottages into service and entertainment oriented spaces like art galleries, studios, and places to eat in addition to a small park. There would also be a few rooms reserved for a Friends of Rockhaven museum. Brothers Mark and Matt Gangi, both long- time residents of the area, were initially drawn to Rockhaven because of its openness and historical merit. Matt, the lead architect on the project, had done extensive outreach meeting with the community and worked closely with Linkchorst and the FoR to establish what would be the best fi t for the land. This close attention to stakeholder concerns is what they believe principally contributed to their proposal being selected. The Theodore Payne Foundation, a nearby retail nursery that specializes in seeds for a variety of native California plants, is in talks to set up a seed shop on site, potentially offering gardening demonstrations as well. Kirk Gelsinger, of Montrose specialty food store, Gelsinger's Amber Road, is interested in building a farm to table style restaurant on the grounds. Open areas will include an event space for outdoor concerts, plays, or even wed- dings. There is also talk of a teahouse, winery, and small studio spaces for artists to work or give art lessons and workshops. While much remains in the preliminary stages of development, Mark Gangi is con- sidering the idea of working in phases. With extensive water damage to some of the cot- tages' roofs and doors, for now, the Gangis say they are mostly focused on bringing those parts of the property up to code and making it more accessible to people with disabilities, a process that Gangi tentatively puts into the two to three year range in terms of a date of comple- tion. "We have to clear a couple of hurdles fi rst. Right now, because there are areas that are still deemed unsafe; mostly tripping hazards. Also, we are looking for a parking structure so the space can open without affecting the local residents," says Mark Gangi."But, on the other hand, it's already here. It's already built, so it's not so far off as it might be with a different project." Clearly great changes are in store for this former sanitarium. Thanks to the Friends of Rockhaven, and some enlightened develop- ment plans, it remains clear that the indel- ible spirit and fascinating legacy that makes Rockhaven such a unique place will remain. SANE DEVELOPMENT. A close attention to stake-holder concerns has resulted in a plan that pleases both the community and the developers. 154 SEPTEMBER 2017 L I V I N G B Y D E S I G N REAL ESTATE