The LEED Silver Pasadena Convention Center Expansion by Fentress Architects reestablished the building as a state-of-the-art destination convention center while respecting the historic Italian Renaissance style Civic Auditorium in the center of the site. A broad central plaza was designed to link the iconic Auditorium building and the two flanking convention center buildings.  

Intended for red carpet openings as well as large convention center crowds and community festivals, the plaza’s patterns and materials recall those of the nearby historic Pasadena City Hall. Working closely with the architects to preserve the architectural heritage of the original auditorium, many new site elements, including new precast concrete balustrade and pilasters, exactly duplicate the historic design features.  Other contemporary details including handrails, lighting, paving and planting, add prominence to the auditorium while not conflicting with the new or old architecture.