U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Pasadena
Since most modern federal court buildings are blocky and boring you might guess that this building started out as something very different, and you'd be right! This grand edifice was once a resort hotel, the sort that used to host well-to-do snowbirds who traveled by train to winter in Pasadena. The Vista del Arroyo Hotel dates to the 19th Century, but the impressive Spanish revival building was erected in 1920. It commands an unobstructed view of the Arroyo Seco ravine.
During WWII the building was purchased by the War Department to be used as a military hospital, and it was ultimately decommissioned in 1949. It became a federal courthouse in 1985. Seattle and Portland also have branch courthouses for the Ninth Circuit, which is headquartered in San Francisco.
Explored Christmas Day, 2010.
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Pasadena
Since most modern federal court buildings are blocky and boring you might guess that this building started out as something very different, and you'd be right! This grand edifice was once a resort hotel, the sort that used to host well-to-do snowbirds who traveled by train to winter in Pasadena. The Vista del Arroyo Hotel dates to the 19th Century, but the impressive Spanish revival building was erected in 1920. It commands an unobstructed view of the Arroyo Seco ravine.
During WWII the building was purchased by the War Department to be used as a military hospital, and it was ultimately decommissioned in 1949. It became a federal courthouse in 1985. Seattle and Portland also have branch courthouses for the Ninth Circuit, which is headquartered in San Francisco.
Explored Christmas Day, 2010.