However, Pasadena is full of older houses that need some modern amenities and features, like higher ceilings, smooth ceilings, new flooring, double pane windows, modern appliances, modern paint colors, etc. 

A house that has survived 100 years of neglect has probably got good bones, while modern construction is often all about slapping stuff together as quickly and cheaply as possible in order to maximize profit for the developer.

The plans are based off of two remodels I've done and the Architect is going to combine and make the best of both into this one.

I just want to open as much of that space up as possible after the removal of the furnace/heater and create the largest single room possible, or at the least combine the closet room and the furnace room into a finished room with a floor more comforting than the current bare concerete.

In announcing plans for the center earlier this year, they described the new operation’s objectives this way: “Modernizes the Army for the future… will integrate the future operational environment, threat and technologies to develop and deliver future force requirements, designing future force organizations, and delivering materiel capabilities.”The Futures Command center is expected to lead innovation for the Army’s top six modernization projects, including improvement to its tactical missile system, combat vehicles and helicopters, defense teams and weapons.Army officials indicated they were seeking a high-tech, creative culture for the location, rather than a traditionally structured Army post.

The Lease Option agreement is 2 separate agreements, not one combined agreement. 

@Laura Royce give "American Modern" a call.

After completing the split we ended up selling both sides combined for $595,000.

So you may have a $300k house with $100k of farmland but when combined it's only a $350k property because the house hunter doesn't want to pay extra for the land and the farmer doesn't want the house with the land. 

And the cash value will earn $6,400 in dividends for a combined gain of $12,694.