Westridge is a school whose original architecture dates back almost to the turn of the 20th century, and whose most current construction commenced after the start of the 21st century. For all these years, all of the elegant structures have remained inseparable from the school’s identity.

The Westridge campus provides an idyllic park-like setting in a quiet residential neighborhood in west Pasadena. The trees, lawns, gardens, and pathways provide favorite spots for studying, gathering with friends or solitary enjoyment.

The campus is distinguished not only by its welcoming beauty, but also by an unusually rich architectural heritage. The main building, designed by Marston, VanPelt & Maybury and built in 1923 on the site of the original school, houses classrooms, administrative offices, and one of the school’s three state-of-the-art technology centers. The Burgess Exhibition Gallery in the main hall features student art exhibits throughout the year.

Herrick Quadrangle, behind the main building, is bordered with both historic and contemporary architecture. Adjoining the main building are the Joan Irvine Library and the Braun Center for the Performing Arts. The Braun Center was designed in 1909 by architect Frederick L. Roehrig, also known for designing the Green Hotel and Tournament of Roses House in Pasadena, as a private gymnasium and theatre for a family living on Orange Grove Boulevard. In 1958, Westridge parent Henry Dreyfuss, internationally known industrial designer, added a larger and more functional stage to the Braun Center.

Three other significant buildings on the Quad were designed by Pasadena architect Whitney R. Smith: the Seeley G. Mudd Science Building, with three fully-equipped Upper School laboratories and a computer technology center, the Laurie and Susan Frank Art Studio and the Hoffman Gymnasium. The Richard N. Frank Athletic Field and Ranney Lawn provide recreational spaces for all grades.

In 1997, the school began a building program to enable the campus to better serve the needs of Westridge students and the space demands of an expanded, modern curriculum.

Pica & Sullivan Architects designed the Marjorie May Braun ’36 Science Building and the Karsh Family Science Garden that contain science classrooms and outdoor study spaces specifically designed for Lower and Middle School students.

In April 2000, Westridge dedicated the Anne F. and James F. Rothenberg Humanities Center. The three-building complex, also designed by Pica & Sullivan Architects, contains humanities classrooms and faculty offices, Upper School art studios and photography labs, art and photography exhibition space, the school’s largest technology lab, and the Herrick Commons dining room.

In 2004 Westridge unified the north and south campuses with the creation of Madeline Court, a beautiful allee under spreading camphor trees.

In 2005, the addition of the Rokus Athletic Complex allowed Tiger soccer and softball teams host games on new regulation fields. Dance is taught in an airy studio with movement absorbing floors and athletes take advantage of the Stedenmund weight- training room designed specifically for girls. The Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center was opened as a state-of-the-art teaching theater with a 600-seat auditorium, Wagener black box theater, and Seiter Family amphitheater.

The oldest and most architecturally significant building at Westridge sits on the southeast corner of the campus. Pitcairn House, built in 1906 by the architectural firm of Greene & Greene, is a classic example of the California Bungalow style and is often pictured in books on the architecture of that period. Pitcairn House is the location of the school’s business office and development offices.

 

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