$3,499,999

881 S Grand Ave Pasadena, CA 91105

4 beds
4 full
4,215 sqft
0.3 acres
$830 / sqft
House

Property details

About 881 S Grand Ave

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.

Highlights

Home typeSingle Family Residence
HeatingCentral
StatusActive
CoolingCentral Air, Dual
Size4,215 sqft
Lot size0.2783 Acres
Year built1961
ParkingConcrete, Door-Multi, Driveway, Garage, Garage Door Opener, Gated
MLS #PF25058253
Attached garage2 spaces
FireplaceGas, Great Room, Living Room
ViewPool
Private poolYes

Summary

  • MLS Number: PF25058253
  • MLS Name: CRMLS
  • Office Name: COMPASS
  • Office Phone: (626) 205-4040
  • Listing Agent: Kawika Hiroshige

IDX Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. and /or other sources. 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. The data contained herein is copyrighted by CRMLS and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.

The information being provided by California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (“CRMLS”) is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from CRMLS. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than this broker are marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers and listing agents. MLS search engine provided by IHR Technology Services. This data is updated every 2 hours. Some properties appearing for sale on this display may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available.
Data displayed may be a portion of, and not a complete set of all listings published in the MLS.
Last updated on: 3/18/2025, 5:20:55 PM Eastern. If you have any questions regarding the accuracy of this data, please contact us at help@rockethomes.com.

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view of patio featuring an outdoor living space, french doors, and a lanai

$3,499,999

881 S Grand Ave

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Price information

Property sales

DateEventPrice
Jun 12, 2019
Home Sold
$2,015,000
Aug 11, 1997
Home Sold
$695,000
Apr 26, 1994
Home Sold
$650,000

Tax history

YearAssessmentProperty Tax
2024$2,382,411$26,841
2023$2,335,698$26,613
2022$2,118,123$23,811
2021$2,076,592$22,836
2020$2,055,300$20,442
2019$166,767$2,246
2018$163,498$2,209
2017$160,293$2,209

History based on county public records data.

Nearby schools

5

San Rafael Elementary School

Public District KG-5

0.7 mi

1090 Nithsdale Rd

7

San Pascual STEAM Magnet

Public Magnet KG-5

0.9 mi

815 San Pascual Ave

8

Arroyo Vista Elementary School

Public District KG-5

1.2 mi

335 El Centro St

School ratings are a score out of 10, where 10 is the highest and 1 is the lowest.

All data from GreatSchools

Neighborhood

The neighbors living near this home have an average income of $171,591. Typical income of Pasadena, CA residents is $200k+ annually. The majority of families are single, no kids. Residents of this area typically have post secondary degree education.

How much money do the neighbors make?

9%
<35k
14%
35k-100k
34%
100k-200k
43%
200k+

What level of education do the neighbors have?

High School Diploma
Post Secondary Degree
Masters Degree
Doctorate

What types of families live nearby?

44%
Single, No Kids
4%
Single, with Kids
39%
Married, No Kids
13%
Married, with Kids

Are the neighbors home owners or renters?

Home Owners
Renters

How old are people in this area?

8%
<11 yrs old
6%
12-17 yrs old
10%
18-34 yrs old
45%
35-64 yrs old
31%
65+ yrs old

What do the neighbors do for fun?

  • PGA/LPGAPGA/LPGA
  • Men's TennisMen's Tennis
  • Skiing/snowboardingSkiing/snowboarding

Where do the neighbors shop?

  • Chico'sChico's
  • BloomingdalesBloomingdales
  • NordstromNordstrom

Where do the neighbors go to eat?

  • Bonefish GrillBonefish Grill
  • California Pizza KitchenCalifornia Pizza Kitchen
  • ChipotleChipotle

What do the neighbors drive?

  • CadillacCadillac
  • LexusLexus
  • BMWBMW

What do the neighbors listen to?

  • ClassicalClassical
  • NewsNews
  • Talk/PersonalityTalk/Personality
All data provided by Home Junction and Claritas

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Frequently asked questions

About 881 S Grand Ave

This home is located at 881 S Grand Ave in Pasadena, CA and zip code 91105 in the The Verdugos neighborhood. This 4,215 square foot home, which was built in 1961, sits on a 0.28 acre lot. Features: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. It has been listed on Rocket Homes since March 17, 2025 and is currently priced at $3,499,999.

While more than 33 listings in Pasadena, CA in February 2025 were sold above asking price, there were more than 7 listings sold at asking price, and more than 14 were sold below. The inventory of homes for sale in Pasadena, CA between January and February 2025 increased by 18.8%. In February 2025 median list price was $1,225,785 and the average listing age was 28 days.

From Rocket Homes Real Estate and based on county public records data.

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