The Pasadena Convention Center is undergoing a massive refurbishment. Though the central building will remain largely as-is (on the outside), the flanking building — 70s-era, low-slung, half-sunken bunkers made of pebble composite concrete — will be mostly torn down and replaced by something a scosh more attractive (floor plan here, current webcam here).
The main building has been used for the Emmies in the past. More important (to me), the complex as a whole was a huge set piece for a supers game (massive running battle against an Alienesque critter) I ran about 15 years ago, which makes it a bit sad (personally) that much of it is going away. I’m also sad about the loss of the incongruous indoor ice rink, which will be converted back into a ball room (it still has its chandeliers); the rink is moving to East Pasadena).
It also raises an interesting question. The convention buildings themselves have been notoriously at odds with both the main structure and the gradual rebuilding of the downtown area (they fit perfectly with the old Plaza Pasadena mall, but that’s been completely rebuilt, too). The question, to my mind, is at what point does architectural style go from “that ugly modern stuff” to something that’s recalled fondly and protected by preservationists. Will people in the future look at the bold, modern lines of the old convention center and weep because they were swept away by 00s kitschy revisionism?
Probably not, but it’s a question worth asking.