Media Release – SPPF
The South Pasadena Preservation Foundation (SPPF) is proud to announce that it is presenting its Raymond Girvigian Historic Preservation Award for 2026 to the School Hall adaptive reuse project at 1010 El Centro Street. The project transformed the original El Centro School and former school district headquarters into a vibrant dining and entertainment hub. The old classrooms, offices and auditorium have been faithfully restored to their original appearance following strict guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic buildings established by the Secretary of the Interior. Gangi Architects, led by Mark Gangi, FAIA, were the principal architects, while Joseph Catalano, AIA served as the preservation architect. The award will be presented at SPPF’s annual meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.
The Raymond Girvigian Historic Preservation Award is given by the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation to recognize projects that support the mission of SPPF by contributing to the stewardship and interpretation of South Pasadena’s history. The award is given as a memorial to Raymond Girvigian (1926-2022), a South Pasadena architect who was known for his significant leadership role in historic preservation in California. His energy, expertise, and deep knowledge were instrumental in the formation of local historic preservation ordinances, the Mills Act historic preservation incentive program and the recognition of the state capitol building as a significant historic monument. As a founding board member and lifelong friend to SPPF, he was at the heart of the Foundation.
