881 S Grand Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
- 4 beds
- 4 baths
- 4,215 sqft
- 12,121 sqft lot
- $830 per sqft
- 1961 build
- – on site
Architecturally Significant Mid-Century Modern Residence "The Cracker Jack House" Originally designed in 1961 by renowned architect Richard F. McCarthy, Jr., this renovated Pasadena residence blends historic charm with modern upgrades. Behind a private, gated entrance, this 4,215 sq. ft. residence features expansive living areas, a fully updated guest house, and beautifully landscaped grounds. At the heart of this architecturally significant mid-century residence, the sunlit atrium is a stunning focal point. Enclosed by solar-reflecting double-pane glass, this tranquil indoor sanctuary features a built-in fountain, custom lighting, and a dedicated 3-ton climate system, seamlessly linking the home’s living spaces while flooding them with natural light. The spacious living and dining rooms have been reconfigured to maximize openness. Herringbone French oak floors, a restored stone fireplace, and a custom retractable TV mount enhance warmth and elegance. The chef’s kitchen is both functional and stylish, featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf 6-burner range, Caesarstone countertops, custom alder cabinetry, and a Carrera marble backsplash. The primary suite is a private retreat with custom alder doors, a walk-in closet, and a spa-like en-suite bath featuring a freestanding soaking tub, heated floors, and Perrin & Rowe fixtures. Each bedroom has been thoughtfully updated with premium finishes, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout. Smart home features include CAT6 ethernet, Unifi networking, Sonos audio, Nest thermostats, and a Ring security system. The EV-ready garage is equipped with 50-amp wiring and Chamberlain MyQ smart openers. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a 10-foot-deep pool and spa with custom seating ledges, a new Pentair heating system, and a resurfaced pool deck. Additional upgrades include new irrigation, landscape lighting, a motorized driveway gate, and preserved historic oak trees. The fully updated guest house/ADU offers a full kitchen, new HVAC, and a spa-like bath, perfect for guests or flexible living arrangements. A home rich in Pasadena history, this residence was originally owned by Nicholas Griffin, a Pasadena Symphony patron and direct descendant of Frederick William Rueckheim, founder of Cracker Jack. The renovations preserve its mid-century roots while introducing modern luxury and cutting-edge design.
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Last updated Mar 18, 2025
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MLS# PF25058253 —
This home is listed in more than one place. See it here.
The Building
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Year Built:1961
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Year Built Source:Public Records
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New Construction:No
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Total Number Of Units:1
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Structure Type:House
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Stories Total:1
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Entry Level:1
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Common Walls:No Common Walls
Interior
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Levels:One
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Entry Location:Front of House
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Room Type:All Bedrooms Down, Atrium, Entry, Family Room, Great Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Main Floor Bedroom, Main Floor Primary Bedroom, Primary Bathroom, Primary Bedroom, Primary Suite, Sun, Two Primaries, Utility Room, Walk-In Closet, Walk-In Pantry
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Living Area Units:Square Feet
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Living Area Source:Taped
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Fireplace:Yes
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Fireplace:Living Room, Gas, Great Room
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Laundry:Gas Dryer Hookup, Individual Room, Washer Hookup
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Laundry:1
Room Dimensions
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Living Area:4215.00
Location
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Directions:South on Grand from California.
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Latitude:34.13063300
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Longitude:-118.16399500
The Property
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Property Type:Residential
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Subtype:Single Family Residence
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Zoning:PSR4
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Lot Features:0-1 Unit/Acre
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Lot Size Area:12121.0000
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Lot Size Acres:0.2783
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Lot Size SqFt:12121.00
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Lot Size Source:Assessor
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View:1
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View:Pool
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Exclusions:All furniture is staging furniture and does not come with the home.
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Additional Parcels:No
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Land Lease:No
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Lease Considered:No
Listing Agent
- Contact info:
- No listing contact info available
Taxes
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Tax Census Tract:4639.00
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Tax Tract:3071
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Tax Lot:2
Beds
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Total Bedrooms:4
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Main Level Bedrooms:4
Baths
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Total Baths:4
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Full & Three Quarter Baths:4
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Main Level Baths:4
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Full Baths:4
The Listing
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Special Listing Conditions:Standard
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Parcel Number:5717005019
Heating & Cooling
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Heating:1
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Heating:Central
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Cooling:Yes
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Cooling:Central Air, Dual
Utilities
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Sewer:Public Sewer
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Water Source:Public
Schools
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High School District:Pasadena Unified
The Community
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Neighborhood:South Grand
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Features:Curbs, Sidewalks
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Inclusions:All appliances.
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Association:No
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Pool:Private, In Ground
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Senior Community:No
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Private Pool:Yes
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Assessments:No
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Assessments:None
Parking
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Parking:Yes
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Parking:Driveway, Concrete, Garage - Two Door, Garage Door Opener, Gated
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Parking Spaces:7.00
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Attached Garage:Yes
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Garage Spaces:2.00
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Uncovered Spaces:5.00
Monthly cost estimate
Asking price
$3,499,999
| Expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
|
Mortgage
This calculator is intended for planning and education purposes only. It relies on assumptions and information provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation, and should not be used as your sole source of information. The output of the tool is not a loan offer or solicitation, nor is it financial or legal advice. |
$18,741
|
| Taxes | N/A |
| Insurance | $962 |
| Utilities | $254 See report |
| Total | $19,957/mo.* |
| *This is an estimate |
Walk Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Walk Score is the most well-known measure of walkability for any address. It is based on the distance to a variety of nearby services and pedestrian friendliness. Walk Scores range from 0 (Car-Dependent) to 100 (Walker’s Paradise).
Bike Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Bike Score evaluates a location's bikeability. It is calculated by measuring bike infrastructure, hills, destinations and road connectivity, and the number of bike commuters. Bike Scores range from 0 (Somewhat Bikeable) to 100 (Biker’s Paradise).
Transit Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Transit Score measures a location's access to public transit. It is based on nearby transit routes frequency, type of route (bus, rail, etc.), and distance to the nearest stop on the route. Transit Scores range from 0 (Minimal Transit) to 100 (Rider’s Paradise).
Soundscore™
Provided by HowLoud
Soundscore is an overall score that accounts for traffic, airport activity, and local sources. A Soundscore rating is a number between 50 (very loud) and 100 (very quiet).
Air Pollution Index
Provided by ClearlyEnergy
The air pollution index is calculated by county or urban area using the past three years data. The index ranks the county or urban area on a scale of 0 (best) - 100 (worst) across the United Sates.
Max Internet Speed
Provided by BroadbandNow®
This is the maximum advertised internet speed available for this home. Under 10 Mbps is in the slower range, and anything above 30 Mbps is considered fast. For heavier internet users, some plans allow for more than 100 Mbps.
Sale history
| Date | Event | Source | Price | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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3/17/25
Mar 17, 2025
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Listed / Active | CRMLS_CA | $3,499,999 | |
|
6/12/19
Jun 12, 2019
|
Sold | CRMLS_CA |
