Jonathan’s Touring the Historic Wrigley Mansion in Pasadena
You might have heard about the iconic Rose Bowl college football game that happens every New Year’s Day, but did you know that there’s a rich history behind the celebration that includes a gorgeous Pasadena mansion overflowing with complex architectural details and historic memorabilia? Today, Jonathan is taking a tour of the extraordinary Wrigley Mansion in Pasadena—also known as the Tournament House—and he’s bringing us along for the ride.
In our video, you’ll see up close the ornate detail in each room, from the beautiful burlwood features to the foiled wallpaper and stunning ceilings. Come explore the history behind the home with Jonathan, and watch our playlist here for more historic and exclusive house tours.
Tournament House History and Architecture
The property was originally a winter home for William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada Wrigley—as in, the Chicago Cubs’s Wrigley Field and Wrigley Chewing Gum. The 1914 estate is now known as the Wrigley Mansion or Tournament House. It became the permanent headquarters for the Tournament of Roses in 1958.
The Italian renaissance-style mansion is filled with ornate detailing. The architect, George Lawrence Stimson, was known for his focus on interesting ceilings and highly detailed features—all of which makes this home a truly one-of-a-kind property.
Inside Wrigley Mansion’s Architectural Details
Ornate Woodwork
The fantastic history begins right at the entrance, with a massive 400-pound Honduran mahogany front door that’s original to 1914. Beautiful carvings and artistic details fill the door’s facade and make it an art piece all its own. Inside the home itself, you’ll find gorgeous Romanian Circassian walnut, burlwood paneling, now extinct crotch mahogany walls, and more picturesque wooden features.
Interesting Ceilings
Inside the home, you’ll find ceilings that wow. “All of this detail was hand-done, and it’s pretty incredible,” Jonathan says. “When you tour our home, you’ll see that every room has a different ceiling, different beams—coffered, cove, barrel. In fact, the living room here has an incredible shallow barrel which at the time was not very common…it’s subtle, but so impactful.”
Gracie Foiled Wallpaper
“There are a handful of Wrigley homes across the country, and every one of the family members had a foil paper to signify the foil that wrapped Wrigley’s gum,” Jonathan says. It’s a special nod to legacy that each Wrigley family member can share, no matter where they live. In Tournament House, the hand-painted foil wallpaper was created by the Gracie company, and features gorgeous scenic florals, landscapes, and traditional motifs.
Behind the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
According to the Tournament of Roses site, the event first started as “a small effort by Pasadena’s distinguished Valley Hunt Club to promote the city’s charm and beautiful weather.” But it’s since become a tradition in America’s New Year’s Day celebrations.
“The Tournament of Roses encompasses everything. It’s the parade, the floats, the flowers, the football game,” Jonathan says. It’s a New Year’s celebration that’s been around since 1890, with the parade featuring elaborate, beautiful floats (made entirely of natural materials!), marching bands and equestrian groups, and of course, ending with the iconic Rose Bowl football game that’s held after the parade is over.
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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