Plans to redevelop the surface parking lots surrounding the Parsons Corporation's Pasadena headquarters have taken another step forward.

Earlier this month, the city's design commission approved the 100 West Walnut development, which would create a series of five-and-six-story buildings along Fair Oaks Avenue and Walnut Street.  The project, which is being developed by Lincoln Property Company and AMLI Residential, will feature approximately 210,000 square feet of office space, 17,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and as many as 475 residential units.

The proposed development, designed by architecture firms SOM and Harley Ellis Devereaux, would feature a series of contemporary buildings adjacent to Old Town Pasadena.  The design commission and the development team hope to incorporate signage which would draw pedestrian traffic from the adjacent historic district.

Plans call for significant open space, such as an internal courtyards, alleys and pathways.  A new driveway would separate the mixed-use community from the Parsons Building, and is also expected to allow for cut-through pedestrian traffic.  Other features would include a dog park, a pool and a rooftop deck.

The project will be reviewed by city staff before any buildings permits are issued.

A Residence Inn by Marriott was recently completed directly across the street from the development site.