Judge Approves New Glendale Mall
Rick Caruso is one step closer to building the Americana at Brand lifestyle center in Glendale, Calif., but he has had to put up a fight.
On Jan. 20, Superior Court Judge Robert O’Brien denied challenges to the Americana’s environmental impact report and the Glendale City Council’s approval of the $265 million lifestyle center. The challenges had been brought up by Chicago-based General Growth Properties, owner of the Glendale Galleria, located across the street from the Americana site.
Arthur Sohikian, a representative for General Growth, said the company is disappointed in the judge’s decision and will continue exploring legal options.
Caruso, who volunteers as a Los Angeles Police Commissioner, has already labored through a municipal election to bring the Americana closer to becoming a reality. Glendale voters gave a green light to three ballot measures granting approval of the shopping center during a special election on Sept. 14, 2004.
A representative for Caruso said the center may open in late 2006 or early 2007. Once completed, the lifestyle center will be similar to the Main Street, USA, design of The Grove in Los Angeles, also developed and owned by Caruso. The Americana will comprise 475,000 square feet of retail shops, restaurants and movie theaters, as well as a two-acre park.
—Andrew Asch
