The impressive edifice above is the Pasadena City Hall, a building that I had noticed before on previous visits (it’s right across the street from the Westin, where I stay, and some rooms even have views). But it wasn’t till this week without a car that I actually walked through it and realized what a really cool building it is. Beautiful courtyards, and just plain impressive architecture all around.
Of course, much of downtown/Old Town Pasadena is like that, which is one of the reasons I like it so much. Unlike much of the LA area it is a city that seems to really cherish and embrace its history and culture and character.