Rusnak set to break ground on expanded Pasadena footprint, with Porsche dealership project

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Rusnak dealership in east Pasadena is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, christening an expanded footprint for the longtime area luxury car dealer.

The new Porsche dealership, expected to open in 2027, will be located at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Sunnyslope Avenue, expanding Rusnak’s footprint next to an Audi dealership. I

In August, the Pasadena Design Commission approved the final design review for the project, which includes a two-story, 61,000-square-foot sales building and a 4,800-square-foot car wash building.

“We are proud to expand our presence in Pasadena and continue our long-standing commitment to this community,” Chairman and CEO Paul Rusnak said in a statement. “This new Porsche facility will deliver an elevated experience for our clients while reinforcing East Pasadena as a premier destination for automotive excellence.”

In addition, a public art installation will be set back 43 feet from the corner side property line along Sunnyslope. The custom sculptural installation will be designed by students from ArtCenter College of Design. It is intended to celebrate innovation, motion and the legacy of automotive design, according to a news release.

Officials see the project as major business stride in the local economy, bringing new jobs and customer traffic to the easter section of the city.

In 2024, Pasadena City Council approved the project, which was first proposed in 2021, to move forward. Eight adjoining parcels make up the 4.4-acre project site area.

The project will be in a contemporary architectural-style that will house an auto dealership with a sales area, parts storage and vehicle service for Rusnak Porsche. It will include surface parking and parking above the second floor at the roof level.

Since 2021, Rusnak has made changes to its original proposal. An initial plan to demolish all existing structures on the site, including the historic Swanson and Peterson Furniture Factory, faced local backlash. Rusnak opted to repurpose the old buildings for its project.

Rusnak has locations in Arcadia, Pasadena, Anaheim, Thousand Oaks and Ontario.