13. A Plan Realized

Taken in 1923, this photo looks north towards Mesa.  It shows Dr. Chandler’s plan to echo the development of Pasadena coming to fruition.  At the center of this photo is Chandler’s first park, a lush area full of tall trees.  Canals and streets were also lined with trees, creating cool canopies over sidewalks and attractive vistas.  The bustling business district had begun to surround the park.  The San Marcos is visible on the left, identifiable from the other buildings by its landscaped grounds.  Bashas’ first Chandler store, a dry goods business, is the black roofed building located on the lower right corner of the photo.   State Route 83 (what is now Arizona Avenue/State Route 87) encircled the outside of the park.