881 S Grand Ave
Listed By Compass
Active Under Contract
Listed By Compass
Active Under Contract
Description
"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. (3,820 sq. ft. Main Residence & 495 sq. ft. Pool House) residence features expansive living areas, a fully updated guest house, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Main Residence is 3 bed/3 bath and Guest House is...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. (3,820 sq. ft. Main Residence & 495 sq. ft. Pool House) residence features expansive living areas, a fully updated guest house, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Main Residence is 3 bed/3 bath and Guest House is 1 bed/1 bath.
At the heart of this 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 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 and a motorized driveway gate. The fully updated guest house 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.
Listing Agents
![Kawika Hiroshige]()
kawika.h@compass.comP: (626)-354-7830
![Olmmy Wong]()
olmmy.wong@compass.comP: (626)-316-2325
Property Details for 881 South Grand Avenue
Property Details for 881 South Grand Avenue
| Status | Active Under Contract |
|---|---|
| MLS # | PF25058253 |
| Days on Market | 12 |
| Taxes | - |
| HOA Fees | - |
| Condo/Co-op Fees | - |
| Compass Type | Single Family |
| MLS Type | Residential / Detached |
| Year Built | 1961 |
| Lot Size | 0.28 AC / 12,121 SF |
| County | Los Angeles County |
Virtual Tour
Building Information for 881 South Grand Avenue
Property Information for 881 South Grand Avenue
- Tax Tract Number: 3071
- Tax Census Tract: 4639.00
- CFD/Mello-Roos Fee: $740
- Tax Lot: 2
- Assessments YN: No
- Assessments: None
- Community Features: Curbs, Sidewalks
- 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
- Main Level Bathrooms: 4
- Main Level Bedrooms: 4
- Laundry: Yes
- Laundry Features: Gas Dryer Hookup, Individual Room, Washer Hookup
- Laundry Location: Laundry Room
- Laundry Utilities: Gas, Washer Hookup
- Fireplace Features: Living Room, Gas, Great Room
- Fireplace: FP in Living Room, Gas, Great Room
- Cooling: Central Air, Dual
- Heating: Central
- Heat Equipment: Forced Air Unit
- Entry Location: Front of House
- Structure Type: House
- Pool Features: Private, In Ground
- Pool: Below Ground, Private
- Sign on Property: Yes
- Lot Features: 0-1 Unit/Acre
- Lease Considered: No
- Land Lease: No
- Levels: One
- Water: Public
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Sewer/Septic: Public Sewer
- Water Source: Public
- Garage Spaces: 2
- Parking: Yes
- Uncovered Spaces: 5
- Parking Non-Garage: Driveway
- Parking Garage Spaces: 2
- Parking Garage: Gated, Garage - Two Door, Garage Door Opener
- Attached Garage: Yes
- Parking Features: Driveway, Concrete, Garage - Two Door, Garage Door Opener, Gated
- Residential Styles: Detached
- Residential Unit Location: No Common Walls
Property History for 881 South Grand Avenue
| Date | Event & Source | Price | Appreciation |
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| Date | Event & Source | Price |
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For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.
Public Records for 881 South Grand Avenue
Schools near 881 South Grand Avenue
Rating | School | Type | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public - | K to 8 | |||
| Public - | 6 to 12 | |||
| Public - | 9 to 12 | |||
| Charter - | K to 8 |
Rating | School | Distance |
|---|---|---|
McKinley School PublicK to 8 | ||
Blair High School Public6 to 12 | ||
Rose City High (Continuation) School Public9 to 12 | ||
Odyssey Charter School - South CharterK to 8 |
School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.
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No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified, and Compass expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Listing Courtesy of COMPASS, Kawika Hiroshige, DRE #02075174; COMPASS, Olmmy Wong, DRE #02246107
Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: CRMLS, CLAW, I-Tech, ROWMLS, GPSMLS, SDMLS, VCRDS/PFAR, Idyllwild Association of Realtors, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS and/or AVMLS. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by CRMLS, CLAW, I-Tech, ROWMLS, GPSMLS, SDMLS, VCRDS/PFAR, Idyllwild Association of Realtors, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS and/or AVMLS is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals.