From Freeway Blight to Front Porches: South Pasadena Reclaims Its Homes

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. – June 10, 2026 – In a move that powerfully symbolizes a community's triumph over decades of uncertainty, eight residential properties once seized for a freeway that was never built are returning to the market in South Pasadena. The city, in partnership with the Dave Knight Real Estate Team of Keller Williams (DKRE), announced the listings today, marking a pivotal moment in the long saga of the defunct 710 Freeway extension.

These homes, including the architecturally significant 1910 Columbia House, are not merely new listings in a competitive market; they are reclaimed pieces of a neighborhood's soul. Acquired by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through eminent domain starting in the 1950s, they sat for years as symbols of urban planning battles and community displacement. Now, they represent a tangible victory and a rare opportunity for homeownership in one of Southern California's most desirable cities.

“We recognize how challenging it is today to acquire residential real estate in South Pasadena,” says Dave Knight, the broker leading the sales effort. “These eight homes will give more people a chance to experience what many of the residents here know and love about South Pasadena.”

A Decades-Long Battle Ends at the Doorstep

The story of these homes is inextricably linked to the controversial 6.3-mile 710 Freeway extension. The project, intended to connect the freeway from Alhambra to the I-210 in Pasadena, would have carved a path through South Pasadena, El Sereno, and Pasadena, demolishing nearly 1,000 homes and displacing thousands of residents. For over 60 years, a passionate and persistent coalition of residents, preservationists, and environmental groups waged a relentless fight against it.

This anti-710 movement became a defining feature of South Pasadena's identity. The National Trust for Historic Preservation repeatedly listed the affected communities as among America's most endangered historic places. The legal and political battle culminated in a series of victories for the opposition, starting with a federal court injunction in 1999 and culminating with Governor Newsom signing legislation in 2019 that officially terminated the project. In 2022, the California Transportation Commission drove the final nail in the coffin, formally ending the debate.

With the freeway's demise, the question became what to do with the hundreds of properties Caltrans had acquired and managed, many of which had fallen into disrepair. The current sale of these eight unoccupied homes represents a crucial step in healing those wounds, transforming properties once slated for demolition into homes for a new generation of residents.

The Columbia House: A Craftsman Jewel Reawakens

At the heart of this offering is the Columbia House, a stately and historic residence at 1131 Columbia Street. Built in 1910 and designed by prolific architect George Lawrence Stimson, the 5,060-square-foot home is a masterpiece of the Craftsman style. It stands as a testament to the architectural heritage the freeway extension would have destroyed.

Recognized on South Pasadena's Inventory of Historic Resources, the home retains many of its original features, including a grand wrap-around porch, exposed wood beams, and elegant built-in shelving. “For historic preservationists, we are providing a rare opportunity to own an excellent example of a Craftsman style home,” Knight notes. Its return to private ownership is a significant victory for local preservationists who have long advocated for the protection and restoration of the area's historic housing stock.

The other seven properties, located on Orange Grove Avenue, Bonita Drive, Grevelia Street, Valley View Road, and Prospect Avenue, each offer their own unique entry point into the fabric of the community. While some may require significant renovation after years of vacancy—a challenge seen in previous sales of Caltrans properties—they represent a canvas for new owners to build their lives.

A Rare Opportunity in a Red-Hot Market

The release of these eight homes is a notable event in South Pasadena's housing market, which is characterized by extremely low inventory and intense demand. With a median home price hovering around $1.9 million and properties frequently selling for well over asking price in a matter of weeks, any new inventory is significant. While eight homes won't fundamentally alter the market's dynamics, they provide a critical, if limited, infusion of opportunity.

Recognizing the financial hurdles, the Dave Knight team has proactively worked to make these homes more accessible. In a departure from previous sales that often required all-cash or hard-money offers, DKRE has partnered with three lenders to create specific financing plans for qualified buyers. This strategy is designed to expand the buyer pool beyond investors and encourage owner-occupancy, aligning with the community's desire to see these houses become homes again.

“This marks a significant milestone for the City of South Pasadena as these properties are returned to the residential market, creating opportunities for homeownership for both longtime community members and those looking to make South Pasadena their home,” said Todd Hileman, South Pasadena City Manager. He also praised the real estate team's efforts “for creating unique lending opportunities that help make homeownership more accessible to buyers.”

Furthermore, the sales carry a benefit that extends beyond the new owners. Under state law, the proceeds from these transactions are mandated to fund affordable housing initiatives. For every one of these market-rate homes sold, the city is required to fund the creation of three new affordable housing units, ensuring that the reclamation of the city's past directly invests in its future housing security.