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In Pasadena, condo complexes make a pitch for vertical living

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Architecturally speaking, everything that matters in Pasadena is on the ground. Whether it’s the tree-lined streets of California Craftsmans or the historic estates on Millionaire’s Row, single-family homes have always driven the city’s luxury market.

A pair of high-end condo complexes, however, are trying to entice affluent buyers upward.

Both new to the market, the two developments sit only a few blocks away from each other, but they’re making different pitches for vertical living.

The first, found in downtown Pasadena, was once a 1980s bank building. After a dramatic remodel, the high-rise developed by Adept Urban, called 388 Cordova, now boasts a few floors of office space and 57 contemporary condos that take in views from the San Gabriel Mountains to downtown L.A.

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Ranging from one to five bedrooms, the units are priced between $900,000 and $5.5 million and span anywhere from 1,000 square feet to more than 4,000. The floor plans vary, but nearly every one offers indoor-outdoor living spaces that open to covered decks or rooftop terraces.

Some are still being built, but the development will eventually offer such amenities as a gym, rooftop pool and concierge. Johanna Gunther of 2nd Avenue Sales & Marketing holds the listings.

According to the developers, 70% of units have been sold, with age demographics ranging from 20-somethings to 60-somethings. Most are local, but a few international buyers have scooped up spots as second homes.

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Views and central location are two of the biggest draws, but a mile west near Old Pasadena, the Terraces at the Ambassador Gardens offer a greener setting.

Surrounded by fountains, lawns and lush landscaping, the batch of 60 condos developed by Etco Homes contain either three or four bedrooms and cost between $2 million and $4 million. Wide-plank floors line the indoor-outdoor living spaces, which include a great room, formal dining room, media room and open-concept kitchen with a center island and European-style cabinetry.

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In addition to the natural amenities of the Ambassador Gardens, other highlights include a concierge and lifestyle services.

The developer declined to give sales numbers but noted a dramatic uptick in interest since the model homes were unveiled in August.

Bree Long of Etco Homes holds the listings.

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