A new townhome complex could replace a series of industrial buildings in northwest Pasadena, according to materials presented to the City's Design Commission. 

The proposed project, which would rise roughly a half-mile north of the Rose Bowl stadium, is slated for a roughly 2.43-acre property at 1307 Lincoln Avenue.  Roundhouse, a real estate investment firm based out of Boise, Idaho, is seeking approvals to raze the existing structures to make way for the construction of a series of new three story buildings containing 59 for-sale homes.

Brooklyn-based Inaba Williams Architects is designing the project, which is modeled on the stucco and courtyard apartment complexes common to Pasadena.  Plans call for 13 separate buildings, arranged around a trio of courtyards and woonerf cutting north-to-south between Washington Boulevard and Pepper Street.  Balconies are proposed for the upper levels of the homes, and pedestrian arcades would knit the site together.

A staff report to the Commission describes the townhomes as being of a "restrained contemporary style," which references the mid-century architecture of Pasadena.  However, the report criticizes the site layout - arguing that it emphasizes vehicular access despite design guidelines - and fails to engage its street frontages.

Although Roundhouse, which was formerly known has Local Construct, has done the bulk of its work in its hometown of Boise, the firm is no stranger to Southern California.  Its portfolio includes The Perch - a mixed-use building containing housing and ground-floor retail in Eagle Rock.