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Today, the Monterey Townhomes at 1200, 1202, 1204 on Monterey Road marks the spot of a massive “take down” of craftsman homes (Gates Place) in the late-1960s. I should know, I once lived on the historic grounds during the 1990s and served as a board member of the townhome association.
I also have the photographs in my collection of the two beautiful craftsman homes that once graced our city here, and the wrecking crew that removed them forever.
Backstory
When the city approved adding two extra lanes along Monterrey Road, the historic craftsman homes at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Monterey Road were also approved for demolition. The public outcry for such a cowardly act never came. Such is not the case with our preservation-minded citizenry today. South Pasadena’s beloved tree huggers and freeway fighters would come out in mass and tether their small children to the dozers (figuratively speaking of course).
But not that long ago, the city failed to stop the demolition of the historic South Pasadena train station, High School Administration building, and looked the other way when developers had plans for the historic drive-thru market on Mission Street (saved by Harry Knapp, Glen Duncan, and Cultural Heritage Commission). Today, the drive-thru market on former Route 66 is a beautifully restored building (Mike & Anne’s Restaurant) with a natural garden and sitting area at the corner.
Photo Gallery: P.G. Gates’ Home and Demolition
Now, with a heavy heart, I present the following images:
The five Gates brothers (retired lumbermen) and their families built craftsman homes at Monterey Road and Indiana Avenue.
The P.G. Gates mansion was demolished along with former South Pasadena mayor Don Gates home to make room for a townhome complex constructed in 1971. The arroyo stone wall bordering the property was also removed to widen Monterey Road.
