Pasadena : Centennial Square OKd

A $9.2-million proposal to change the broad roadway in front of City Hall into Centennial Square, a community gathering place with an arched walkway, fountains, carob trees, flagpoles, benches and underground parking, was approved in principal Tuesday by the Board of Directors.

But the board admitted it had no idea how the city would pay for the square. It asked the Finance Department to propose methods and to study the feasibility of seeking voter-approved tax bonds.

In addition, the board agreed to meet with County Supervisor Mike Antonovich to ensure that construction plans for county-owned buildings in Pasadena conform to the city’s Civic Center Master Plan and to the square.

Under the proposal devised by Berkeley architect Donlyn Lyndon, the project would cost $4.7 million. Underground parking for 300 vehicles would cost another $4.5 million but could be partially financed with an assessment district or through parking fees.