The Best of Both Worlds : Housing: Ornate landmark hotel in Pasadena is a rare example of low-income residents living in the same building with affluent condo owners.

"I think it's probably the only one of its kind you'll ever see. Subsidized housing is usually in low-income areas. It would be like bringing Compton and Beverly Hills together in one block."

"Having low-income senior citizens living in a prosperous, bustling center of town is a dramatic and welcome departure from the common practice in America of isolating the poor and the elderly. I think it's something that more cities should consider doing."

"Both establishments use their ballrooms for weddings and on occasion residents mingle at one another's parties. And at least one love affair has breached the fire door between the wings. Neighbors on both wings frequently help one another with shopping and errands."

The Hotel Green in Old Pasadena represents an unusual model of mixed-income housing. One wing contains 140 federally subsidized apartments for mostly elderly, low-income residents, while an adjoining wing houses 70 affluent condominium owners. Though separated by a fire door, residents from both wings interact socially, attend each other's events, and provide mutual assistance. Experts view this arrangement as a positive departure from typical American practices that isolate poor and elderly populations in low-income areas. The integration demonstrates how economically diverse groups can coexist harmoniously in vibrant urban neighborhoods, offering a model other cities might consider adopting.

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