Playhouse District, Pasadena

Playhouse Village, once known as the Playhouse District, is a vibrant neighborhood in Pasadena. This district is bordered by Interstate 210 (north), California Boulevard (south), Los Robles Avenue (west), and Hudson Avenue (east), extending into a panhandle to Wilson Avenue. It is a region that experienced significant urbanization from the 1960s to the 1980s, a process often referred to as "Manhattanization" due to its intensive development.

At the heart of Playhouse Village is the iconic Pasadena Playhouse, which anchors the district along with other cultural staples like Vroman's Bookstore—the oldest operating independent bookstore in Pasadena—and Landmark Theatres Pasadena. The east end of the neighborhood boasts the Ice House comedy club and Boston Court Pasadena, an arthouse, enhancing the area's artistic flair. On the western end, Fuller Theological Seminary adds a scholarly presence.

A notable landmark is the Pasadena Star-News building at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Oakland Avenue. Established in 1884, the building now serves a variety of uses including housing the New School of Cooking and a 24 Hour Fitness center. Also on Colorado Boulevard are the First United Methodist Church and Pasadena Presbyterian Church, which has historical ties to the radio station KPPC-FM.

The USC Pacific Asia Museum on North Los Robles Avenue enriches the district further with its extensive collection of Asian and Pacific Island art, boasting over 15,000 pieces.

Beyond its cultural and educational attractions, Playhouse Village is known for its robust arts scene, characterized by vibrant public art including painted utility boxes and wall murals. The neighborhood attracts a diverse group of creatives, writers, performers, and artists, drawn by its inspiring environment.

The district's culinary scene is equally eclectic, featuring a range of dining options from the famed Lucky Boy breakfast burritos to healthy choices at Urth Caffé and Tender Greens. Diverse international cuisines are well-represented, with restaurants offering Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. Additionally, the area is a haven for collectors and crafters with establishments like Canterbury Records, The Battery Books & Music, and Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools, alongside the unique World Hats Mart.

Playhouse Village thus stands out as a dynamic neighborhood in Pasadena, blending rich historical heritage with a lively contemporary cultural and commercial scene.