Pasadena Employee Housing Project Moves to Design Review
The district is seeking approval for 110 below-market rental homes at the site of the former Roosevelt Elementary School.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Apartments
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The Pasadena Unified School District has submitted a design review application for 110 below-market rental homes at the former Roosevelt Elementary School site. The project aims to provide housing for district employees through a mix of apartments and townhomes located at 315 N. Pasadena Ave.
Why it matters
The development is designed to help the district recruit and retain staff by offering affordable housing options in a high-cost area. By repurposing vacant school property, the district seeks to stabilize its workforce logistics while addressing local affordability challenges.
The plan for 315 N. Pasadena Ave. includes 110 rental units on a 5-acre site, with approximately two parking spaces allocated for each home. Thirty percent of these units are designated for low-income households earning no more than 80% of the area median income.
The players
Pasadena Unified School District
The local school authority responsible for managing district facilities and educational staffing for the community.
Pasadena Design Commission
The municipal body tasked with evaluating the aesthetic and functional impacts of new architectural developments in the city.
The details
The proposed development converts the former Roosevelt Elementary School site into residential space using Pasadena Avenue as the primary access point, while Rosemont Avenue serves as the secondary entry for residents and emergency vehicles. Pasadena city staff are currently reviewing the application before it moves to the Design Commission for a Consolidated Design Review. An independent consultant is simultaneously evaluating potential traffic shifts at nearby intersections, including Pasadena Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.
Timeline
Roosevelt Elementary School officially closed its doors in 2020.
The Design Commission conducted a preliminary project consultation on August 11, 2026.
A community open house for residents was held at the Brookside Golf Club on September 22, 2026.
A draft traffic analysis for the site is expected to be completed in late November 2026.
The Home Front
This project reflects a broader trend of school districts repurposing underutilized properties to mitigate the impact of rising housing costs on staff retention. It marks a significant shift in how districts evaluate their real estate assets to support long-term operational stability.
Neighbors near the intersection of Pasadena Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard should anticipate future traffic reports regarding construction access. Residents interested in the development's progress can monitor the Pasadena Design Commission's upcoming meeting agendas for updates on the consolidated review.
The takeaway
The proposed 110-unit complex aims to provide housing for district employees while navigating local traffic and design standards. Interested parties should monitor the Pasadena Design Commission process for final approvals regarding the site plan and traffic mitigation efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about local housing developments in Pasadena Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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