Pasadena, Newport Beach and Irvine, Calif. – July 29, 2016 – R.D. Olson Development, in partnership with Joseph Martelli Real Estate Investments, Inc., has opened the five-story, 144-room Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town in Pasadena, California. Executives from R.D. Olson Development, Marriott International and project general contractor R.D. Olson Construction joined civic leaders at the grand opening. The project marks the first hotel development in the historic Old Town Pasadena area in 15 years.
Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town is walking distance to a variety of entertainment options, including world class dining and shopping, and eclectic cultural offerings such as landmark theaters, lush botanical gardens, and art galleries and museums. The hotel is also within one mile of the famed Rose Bowl Stadium and nearby the prestigious California Institute of Technology, historic Dodger Stadium, and entertainment hubs such as the Staples Center, Nokia Theater and Hollywood.
“We are honored to develop the first hotel to be completed in Old Town Pasadena in more than 15 years,” said Bob Olson, founder and CEO of R.D. Olson Development. “At R.D. Olson Development, we make a conscious effort to capture and integrate details and sentiments that complement the local culture of our hotels, and Old Town Pasadena has so much rich history to draw from. We know that the Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town will fill an important need for extended stay visitors to this dynamic area of Los Angeles County, and we hope that guests will enjoy the many nods to the local area that we have incorporated into this hotel.”
The hotel’s design elements are a playful rendition of the arts and crafts heritage of Old Town Pasadena, blending iconic period fixtures with modern detailing. The Craftsman style of interior architecture that is prevalent in many Pasadena historical homes is represented in much of the hotel’s detailing, including a hand crafted stairway with wood and forged metal railings, which stands out as a focal point of the lobby space. The hotel’s wood beams and warm color tones colors offer Craftsman and Bungalow-style undertones, and a handmade glass screen reflects Pasadena’s sentiment for artistic work and handicraft.
A large, handmade wall relief of an oak tree, made of real oak by a local artist, represents the Pasadena’s landmark Cathedral Oak tree that once divided Orange Grove Avenue in 1890. Pasadena’s iconic Colorado Bridge and Tournament of Roses Parade are also represented in artwork and vintage images throughout the hotel. Offering a comfortable, stylish retreat, the property’s interior pairs Pasadena’s rich history with the conveniences of Marriott’s latest Gen 9 Design, showcasing contemporary furnishings within a traditional, historically-inspired setting.
The hotel’s exterior weaves in subtle Mediterranean architecture and design elements through the use of parapet and tiled gable roofs, hipped-roof corner towers and plaster walls. Additionally, a variety of window openings are highlighted, including groupings of punched, multi-story windows which allow ample natural light into the building.
“Today’s hotel guests are seeking an immersive experience that is geographically inspired when visiting the surrounding area,” said Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson Construction. “We are proud to have been a part of building this extended stay service hotel in Pasadena where guests will have the opportunity to be a part of the local community while staying at the property. The building’s design adds to the historical landscape that has made Pasadena a charming and warm community to stay, work, and play.”
The 94,091-square-foot all-suite hotel is designed with a room mix that includes expansive studio, one- and two-bedroom guest suites, complete with kitchens and beautiful, upscale bathrooms to accommodate the needs of the extended-stay guest. Guestroom suites offer separate living, sleeping and working areas, as well as kitchens with high-end appliances including a refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher. Rooms also include spa-like bathrooms and ergonomic furniture, creating a relaxing, home-like environment.
Guests benefit from a variety of public amenities such as a complimentary, full hot breakfast buffet, an oversized fitness center with CrossFit style equipment, complimentary high-speed Internet access throughout the property, a business center equipped with the latest technology solutions, and guest laundry. The property also features a 24/7 Market, which provides easy access to grab-and-go snacks and other on-the-go necessities.
Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town offers a variety of outdoor spaces for guests to relax and reenergize amongst the beauty of Southern California. Amenities include an elevated deck with a pool and spa, outdoor play spaces including a sports court, a grilling area and barbeque, and large fire pits that offer a perfect spot for an evening beverage.
The property’s 850 square feet of versatile meeting space enables guests and community members to conduct dynamic events or family gatherings.
San Diego-based Awbrey Cook Rogers McGill Architects served as the architectural firm for the project with interior design by Seattle-based Degen & Degen.
R.D. Olson Development began developing hotels in 1997 and has been especially active over the past five years. Additional recent completions at Marriott brand hotels include Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Irvine, Oceanside and Goleta, California; Residence Inn by Marriott in San Juan Capistrano, California; and Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in Tustin, California. In December 2015, R.D. Olson Development received Marriott International’s most prestigious award, the Partnership Circle Award, to recognize the organization’s support of Marriott hotel brands and dedication to embodying the spirit of the company’s philosophy of providing outstanding customer service. In 2014, the firm was recognized as Developer of the Year by Marriott International, an award honoring the company for outstanding accomplishments in the development of hotel projects in high barrier markets.
In a co-development with Pacific Hospitality Group, R.D. Olson Development and R.D. Olson Construction recently completed Paséa Hotel & Spa, a 250-room upscale boutique hotel in Huntington Beach, California, at the master-planned Pacific City project.
R.D. Olson Development recently broke ground on the 204-room Residence Inn by Marriott Silicon Valley in San Carlos, California. R.D. Olson Development and R.D. Olson Construction also broke ground on several other hospitality projects throughout California in Q2 2016, including the 130-room Lido House Hotel resort in Newport Beach, California, the 118-room Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara/Goleta in Goleta, California, and the 271-room full-service Irvine Spectrum Marriott in Irvine, California.
In addition to R.D. Olson Construction’s work with R.D. Olson Development, the Irvine-based general contractor recently completed work on the full-service Bicycle Hotel & Casino in the heart of Bell Gardens, California. The firm is currently under construction on additional regional hospitality projects including the 94-room Hampton Inn & Suites in Glendale, California; the 161-room Homewood Suites in Irvine, California; and the 174-room Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in Anaheim, California.
