Sunday, June 29, 2025

Rebuilding Eliot Arts Magnet Academy Begins Monday

Eliot Arts Magnet burns on January 8, 2025. [Eddie Rivera / Pasadena Now]

District plans transformative reconstruction of campus destroyed by Eaton Fire

Pasadena Unified School District will begin demolishing portions of Eliot Arts Magnet Academy on Monday, marking the first step in rebuilding the campus after the Eaton Fire devastated the school.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee removal of the auditorium and north wing while stabilizing remaining structures. The fire caused significant damage to the campus, forcing the relocation of students to McKinley School.

Board President Jennifer Hall Lee described the project as an opportunity for renewal.

“Our entire community is heartbroken by the devastation of our historic Eliot Arts campus, but we will rise above this,” she said. “This is an opportunity to create a new space that captures the spirit of our school and serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for our students, staff, and the entire Pasadena community.”

Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco highlighted the district’s commitment to community involvement.

“Eliot Arts is an integral part of our community, and we are committed to rebuilding a campus that honors its legacy while embracing the future,” she said.

The multi-year rebuild will include additional fire-safety measures, infrastructure upgrades with modern electrical and plumbing systems, and spaces designed to foster creativity and academic excellence. The district will seek community input to ensure the new campus reflects the needs of students, families, and educators.