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Nestled along the banks of the Arroyo Seco, La Casita Del Arroyo has long been a cherished Pasadena community center, hosting small events like weddings, baby showers, and neighborhood gatherings. Designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt, who also created the Pasadena Rose Bowl, Civic Center, and Central Library, the building embodies Pasadena’s rich architectural heritage. Abandoned and damaged by fire in the 1990s, La Casita required a sensitive restoration to bring back its original character—and that’s where ONYX stepped in.
One of the building’s most unique features is its Olympic connection. Wood from the 1932 Olympic velodrome, originally built inside the Rose Bowl, was repurposed for La Casita’s interior walls. After the Games, budget-conscious builders reused the wood for siding, roofing, and wall finishes. The wood’s history is still visible today: you can see the original striping from the track in the side profile of the boards, a subtle but striking reminder of Pasadena’s Olympic past. Stones and shingles for the building were sourced locally from the Arroyo, reflecting the community-centered approach of Hunt’s design.
When ONYX took on the project, much of the historic wood had suffered dry rot, termite damage, and fire exposure. The team carefully removed each piece, flipping the burned side inward and refinishing the salvaged wood. About 50% of the original velodrome wood was saved. Beyond the interiors, ONYX refinished the exterior, cleaned gutters, removed asbestos roofing from the 1990s update, and installed a new concrete roof—all while maintaining the building’s historic integrity. The result is a restored La Casita that honors its past while functioning for today’s community.
With the Rose Bowl set to host soccer matches during the 2028 LA Olympics, La Casita’s velodrome wood offers a poetic connection between Pasadena’s Olympic history and its present. ONYX’s restoration preserves not just the building itself but a tangible piece of the city’s cultural and sporting legacy. Through careful craftsmanship and thoughtful design, La Casita Del Arroyo stands ready to welcome future generations, linking Pasadena’s historic past with its vibrant, community-focused future.
