Grace Nicholson Building, 1924 - Architects: Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury

Grace Nicholson Building, 1924n46 North Los Robles AvenuenArchitects: Marston, Van Pelt & MayburynnIn 1924 Grace Nicholson hired the architectural firm Marston, Van Pelt and Maybury to design a building in the Chinese-style on Los Robles Avenue. Her illustrations were incorporated into a design which carefully followed the Imperial Palace Courtyard style, used in the construction of major buildings in Beijing. Grace made sure every detail was correct and had the roof tiles, stone and marble carvings, and bronze and copper work imported directly from China or faithfully executed by Pasadena-area craftsmen, following plans and photographs of authentic Chinese examples.nnGrace opened the first half of the building and construction of the rectangular, open courtyard was completed in 1929. The first floor consisted of galleries in which she displayed and sold American Indian and Asian art objects, as well as the work of noted local, national and international living artists. The second floor housed more galleries, an auditorium for exhibition, education and lectures, as well as Grace’s private apartment. Today, museum staff offices are spread throughout her former living space, where fireplaces and other architectural elements serve as reminders of the building’s history.nnThe Grace Nicholson Building is itself one of the great treasures of the museum, being an important and extraordinary example of Chinese architecture in the United States. It has been designated a Cultural Heritage Landmark by the cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles. In 1976 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1989 was declared a Historical Landmark by the State of California. But it also serves to remind us of a fascinating and strong female entrepreneur, who defied convention in the early 1900s and built not only a thriving business, but also a beautiful home that continues to bring Asian art and culture to Pasadena to this day.