The Ambassador Auditorium

The Ambassador Auditorium, Pasadena’s distinguished cultural landmark and premier cultural destination, is slated to be listed for sale at $45 million on July 9, 2024.

Frequently referred to as "The Carnegie Hall of the West," this 45,000-square-foot building with a 1,200-seat concert hall is situated in Pasadena’s historic West Pasadena neighborhood. Since 2004, Harvest Rock Church has owned and operated the venue, hosting a wide array of community events, including performances by regional symphony orchestras, school graduations, community awards, dance companies, corporate presentations, and a variety of other fine arts events. The Ambassador Auditorium offers a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of Pasadena’s history and a chance to support ongoing community initiatives in this cherished entertainment space.

Constructed in 1974 by the architectural firm Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall (DMJM), the Ambassador Auditorium exemplifies mid-century design and has been meticulously preserved to maintain its historic integrity. The building boasts five grand spaces with interiors designed by Robert Smith of the American Society of Interior Designers, offering a seamless blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

The 1,200-seat auditorium, renowned for its superior acoustics, frequently hosts prestigious performances by the Colburn Orchestra and the Pasadena Symphony. The Grand Lobby, spanning over 4,000 sq. ft., showcases 100% pure wool custom carpet, rose onyx walls, African shedua wood railing, and ceilings adorned with hand-rolled 24-carat gold leaf. The lobby’s chandelier, composed of 100 custom bulbs and 1,390 crystals in three tiers of polished bronze, adds to its opulence. The Lower Lobby, encompassing 3,168 sq. ft. with 1,782 sq. ft. of event space, features 100% pure wool custom carpet, two 24-carat gold chandeliers, and walls of Brazilian rosewood and rose onyx, accommodating up to 120 guests. The lower level also includes two versatile lecture and rehearsal rooms, with Room 1 offering 621 sq. ft. for 40 attendees and Room 2 providing 945 sq. ft. for 60 attendees. Both rooms can be configured to suit various needs. Additionally, the dressing rooms are designed with a gold and white color scheme, lighted mirrors, counter space, and private restrooms with showers. Parking options are also available.

The Ambassador Auditorium’s outdoor plaza is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, featuring paving of Norwegian Sandefjord granite and African Angola black granite. This exquisite space is centered around a 500,000-gallon water pond, which is among the largest water features in LA County. The plaza's water feature, meticulously maintained to preserve its original quality, highlights the property's commitment to historical integrity. Additionally, the water feature showcases a 37-foot solid bronze egret sculpture designed by renowned artist David Wynn, celebrated as one of Pasadena's most unique pieces of public art. This sculpture was recently refurbished to the highest historical standards by Stuart Dean, a leader in historical restoration in Los Angeles since 1932.

The building has recently undergone a $4 million investment in clean energy upgrades, completed November 2023. Comprehensive measures were taken to optimize energy, water, and gas efficiency, ensuring fresh air circulation and infrastructure improvements that rival those of The Disney Concert Hall. This extensive renovation, the most significant since its construction in 1974, has brought the infrastructure to the forefront of modern sustainability standards. The property now features a 230-panel solar farm, significantly reducing energy costs. It operates at the highest industry standards for air purification and includes state-of-the-art environmental control systems. The upgrades also encompass LED lighting for the stage and original sconces, enhancing energy efficiency. These green energy projects have been approved by Pasadena Water and Power and have qualified for various rebates, underscoring the building's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

The Ambassador Auditorium is located at 131 S St John Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105 near the Norton Simon museum, Rose Bowl stadium and the world famous route of the Rose Parade along Colorado Boulevard. Conveniently connected by the 134 and 210 Freeways, West Pasadena offers seamless access to the rest of Pasadena and Los Angeles.