1024 Armada Dr Pasadena, CA 91103
East Arroyo NeighborhoodEstimated payment $26,406/month
Highlights
- Art Studio
- Views of Trees
- Wood Flooring
- In Ground Pool
- Midcentury Modern Architecture
- Furnished
About This Home
The Gell-Mann Residence: William E. Blurock Architect. Set gently into the tree-lined edge of the Arroyo Seco, this two-story mid-century modern residence was built in 1956 and designed by California modernist architect William E. Blurock, FAIA, whose career shaped landmark civic and educational buildings across the state and around the world. Believed to be one of only a few private homes he ever designed, this striking mid-century residence is quietly tucked behind mature landscaping within Pasadena's storied, National Register-listed Prospect Historic District.The five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is anchored by an aspirational reverse floor plan that lifts the main gathering spaces to the upper level, where soaring living-room ceilings, a copper-clad fireplace, and a bespoke mid-century light fixture stretching the entire length of the living room wash the interiors in a welcoming, warm light. Custom millwork and walls clad in walnut and maple lend a natural richness to the residence. Walls of glass and a second-story balcony frame sweeping views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding canyons. A dramatic open-plan stairway becomes a sculptural centerpiece for the home, animated by inset colored-glass panels and highlighted by an architectural railing wrapped in wood and cork flooring.Below, the floor plan opens around a serene zen-style garden and an expansive pool, with a private pool house/guest studio completing a resort-like retreat built for modern California living. Flagstone, stucco and a subdued facade let the house belong effortlessly among the district's Craftsman and period-revival landmarks.The home carries a remarkable provenance as the longtime residence of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann, who lived here during his most creative years at Caltech. The scientist who named the "quark" and reorganized our understanding of the building blocks of matter found his home in a house designed, quite literally, to lift its inhabitants toward the light and the view.More than a home, this is a rare convergence of California modernism, landscape, craftsmanship and intellectual history. The residence is ready to write its next chapter.
Open House Schedule
-
Sunday, August 30, 20262:00 to 5:00 pm8/30/2026 2:00:00 PM +00:008/30/2026 5:00:00 PM +00:00The Gell-Mann Residence by William E. Blurock, FAIA. Built in 1956 along Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco, this rare mid-century modern home features a reverse floor plan, soaring ceilings, copper-clad fireplace, walnut and maple millwork, walls of glass and sweeping Rose Bowl views. A zen-style garden, expansive pool and guest studio complete the retreat. Set in the National Register-listed Prospect Historic District, it was the longtime home of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann.Add to Calendar
Home Details
Home Type
- Single Family
Year Built
- Built in 1956
Lot Details
- 13,873 Sq Ft Lot
- Lot Dimensions are 81x171
- Property is zoned PSR4
Home Design
- Midcentury Modern Architecture
Interior Spaces
- 6,006 Sq Ft Home
- 2-Story Property
- Furnished
- Bar
- Entryway
- Family Room
- Living Room with Fireplace
- Breakfast Room
- Den
- Art Studio
- Workshop
- Utility Room
- Views of Trees
Kitchen
- Oven or Range
- Dishwasher
- Disposal
Flooring
- Wood
- Carpet
- Concrete
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- 5 Bedrooms
- Powder Room
- 5 Full Bathrooms
Laundry
- Laundry Room
- Dryer
- Washer
Parking
- 2 Car Garage
- Gravel Driveway
Outdoor Features
- In Ground Pool
- Covered Patio or Porch
Utilities
- Central Heating and Cooling System
Community Details
- No Home Owners Association
Listing and Financial Details
- Assessor Parcel Number 5702-023-014
Map
Home Values in the Area
Average Home Value in this Area
Tax History
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Year | Tax Paid | Tax Assessment Tax Assessment Total Assessment is a certain percentage of the fair market value that is determined by local assessors to be the total taxable value of land and additions on the property. | Land | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $14,118 | $1,196,218 | $478,482 | $717,736 |
| 2025 | $14,118 | $1,172,763 | $469,100 | $703,663 |
| 2024 | $13,407 | $1,149,768 | $459,902 | $689,866 |
| 2023 | $13,295 | $1,127,225 | $450,885 | $676,340 |
| 2022 | $12,838 | $1,105,124 | $442,045 | $663,079 |
| 2021 | $12,298 | $1,083,456 | $433,378 | $650,078 |
| 2019 | $11,840 | $1,051,323 | $420,525 | $630,798 |
| 2018 | $11,995 | $1,030,710 | $412,280 | $618,430 |
| 2016 | $11,575 | $990,688 | $396,272 | $594,416 |
| 2015 | $11,450 | $975,808 | $390,320 | $585,488 |
| 2014 | $11,209 | $956,695 | $382,675 | $574,020 |
Property History
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Event | Price | List to Sale | Price per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/27/2026 08/27/26 | For Sale | $4,599,000 | -- | $766 / Sq Ft |
Purchase History
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Type | Sale Price | Title Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Deed | -- | None Listed On Document | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Grant Deed | $595,000 | Chicago Title |
Mortgage History
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Status | Loan Amount | Loan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Owner | $146,300 | Unknown | |
| Previous Owner | $650,000 | Credit Line Revolving | |
| Previous Owner | $150,000 | Unknown |
Source: The MLS
MLS Number: 26896313
APN: 5702-023-014
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
© 2026 The MLS™ - Combined L.A. Westside MLS (CLAW). All rights reserved. Based on information from The MLS™ - Combined L.A. Westside MLS (CLAW). All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
- 690 Westgate St
- 555 Hickory Ln
- 1164 Mentone Ave
- 209 Carlton Ave
- 691 Lincoln Ave
- 1210 Glen Ave
- 769 N Orange Grove Blvd
- 530 N Orange Grove Blvd
- 1325 Forest Ave
- 586 N Orange Grove Blvd
- 484 Rosemont Ave
- 517 Orange Grove Place
- 1325 Glen Ave
- 553 Lincoln Ave
- 523 Lincoln Ave
- 988 Glen Oaks Blvd
- 70 W Claremont St
- 66 W Peoria St
- 1095 Linda Glen Dr
- 481 Lincoln Ave
- 1096 Armada Dr
- 930 Lincoln Ave
- 893 Lincoln Ave Unit 893 1/2
- 893 Lincoln Ave
- 838 Chapman Ave
- 1257 Lincoln Ave
- 850 Chula Vista Ave
- 642 N Orange Grove Blvd Unit 7
- 547 Pepper St Unit 2
- 50 W Mountain St Unit 15
- 1300 Solita Rd
- 853-861 N Raymond Ave
- 461 Del Monte St
- 1255 Rancheros Rd
- 1415 El Sereno Ave
- 580 N Raymond Ave
- 580 N Raymond Ave Unit 3
- 648 W Howard St
- 101 N Grand Ave Unit 2
- 1401 Glen Oaks Blvd
Ask me questions while you tour the home.