Crown City Jewel

Someone once told me the Pawn Shop at the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Raymond Avenue was one of the oldest buildings in town. But I hadn't known until I took the Pasadena Heritage Old Town Walking Tour that it was designed by our famous local brothers, Charles and Henry Greene.

Today's first photo was taken by Terry Griest, looking toward the building from the southeast. Terry has contributed several photos to the blog, all taken in Old Town in 1984 for a college report. Aren't we glad she saved them?

Built in the late 1800's, the Kinney-Kendall Building was at first the home of Metcalf's Pharmacy and Charles Gardner's Dry Goods. I don't know how long it's been a pawn shop, but the online reviews for Crown City Loan & Jewelry are positive, and I see "over 50 years experience."

My first photo was taken looking directly north, across Colorado Blvd.

Here's a closer look on the Raymond Avenue side of the building. I've messed with my photos a little, removing shadows so you can see the details.

I told Terry I think the difference between our photos is that it looks like the Kinney-Kendall building had received a new paint job in 1984 and it's still sporting that same paint job today.

Here's something cool: I found the plans for the building online.