Monrovia’s New Old Town Report

By Shawn Spencer

An early morning stroll, up and down Myrtle was so lovely. A few shop owners were inside, bustling to get ready to open. Coffee was brewing and the smell of cinnamon and all things delicious was wafting out of The Monrovian. They have been gradually ramping up their grand opening and are now serving dinner. I have had their breakfast, which was just short of amazing, but cannot wait to try their pizza! A post on their Facebook page hints at “pizza by the slice” coming soon! I highly recommend you try this new gem.

Speaking of hints, Myrtle is showing some hints of change coming to Old Town. 

While Monrovia is not “losing” a business, what used to be a local favorite place to work out may be moving a bit west. There are a lot of rumors flying around about Foothill Gym, but the only one I’ll voice is their [potential] plan to move into the old Masonic Center on the southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Primrose Avenue. This puts them on the border of Old Town, with a larger parking lot for outdoor, COVID-safe workout space. Traffic studies, permits and a remodel still must be done; so, don’t expect to see them moving just yet. Hopefully, their current location will be filled with a community-oriented, wonderful new addition to Old Town. I vote for another gym: one that is geared more toward the locals and is family friendly.

We have a new-to-Monrovia business coming to 418 S. Myrtle Ave., formally known as Paint N Play Pottery & Art Studio. Curato Design/Build is moving their business here from Los Angeles. CEO Natalya Curato hails from Boston and her work is just stunning.  What a great way to start the New Year with a great new beginning in our lovely town! Welcome, Natalya! 

Afew items of interest:

The Monrovia Chamber and business community have joined forces to aid our local Old Town restaurants. All you have to do is visit www.monroviacc.com and register for your coupon. Then, spend $30 or more at a participating restaurant to receive a $10 discount on your entire check! This offer is good through Jan. 31. 

If you are looking for a way to get more involved with your community, on Jan. 23, the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) is hosting an educational workshop via Zoom to help keep you informed on upcoming community events and ways that you can participate.  There will be updates from our city manager, Dylan Feik, as well as a meet-and-greet with our new NBS manager, Justin Edison.   Register for MAP-edu on Eventbrite. 

Beginning next week, the city will launch a tree planting program in keeping with our Tree City USA 1987 recognition. The city will replace trees that were lost due to drought, construction and other impacts. Contact Jaden Louie at (626) 932-5584 or jlouie@ci.monrovia.ca.us to fill out a “Tree Planting Interest Form.”

For all of you procrastinators out there, Valentine’s Day is coming! Old Town is offering a romantic carriage ride on ONE NIGHT ONLY! Advance ticket sales begin Feb. 1 for $40 per private ride. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold. Call (626) 256-8234 for more info or to reserve. This lovefest sells out quickly so don’t be that guy or gal, that waits until the last minute.

More from Monrovia Weekly