Creating a Vibrant Urban Gathering Place in Glendale
Americana at Brand began with a bold vision from Caruso Affiliated to craft a true “home” for the city and a destination that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in community life. Situated on 15.5 acres in the heart of Glendale, California, this mixed-use development reimagines what urban living can be, blending residences, retail, dining, and entertainment into a cohesive, walkable environment.
The challenge lay in weaving together scale and intimacy. At nearly 700,000 sq ft, with 242 residential units and 2,700 parking spaces, the development required thoughtful coordination across architecture, engineering, and site planning. The project needed to accommodate high volumes of activity while maintaining a sense of comfort and accessibility. Every element had to support both everyday routines and celebratory moments, from a morning coffee to an evening event.
The design response organizes the site as a layered urban experience. Streets and promenades invite exploration, guiding visitors past storefronts and restaurants toward central gathering spaces animated by water features and landscaped gardens. Residences rise above the activity, offering privacy and calm while remaining visually and physically connected to the energy below. Generous green spaces soften the urban fabric, introducing shade, texture, and seasonal color into the retail core. The result is a seamless blend of glamour and greenery, excitement and ease.
Parking is integrated strategically to support convenience without overwhelming the pedestrian experience. Circulation patterns prioritize walkability, encouraging movement on foot and reinforcing the development’s role as a social hub. Materials and detailing reflect a contemporary sensibility, balancing sleek urban character with warmth and approachability.
As new construction with a $230 million investment, Americana at Brand stands as a significant milestone in mixed-use architecture and urban development in Southern California. It supports economic vitality while elevating the public realm, drawing people together across generations and backgrounds. Retail therapy meets relaxation. Entertainment intersects with everyday life. The project’s strength lies in its ability to convene, offering a setting where community life unfolds naturally.
Americana at Brand reflects HED’s positioning as a company fluent in complexity and scale, yet grounded in human experience. Through thoughtful design and integrated collaboration, the development brings clarity to a multifaceted program and transforms it into a cohesive urban destination. In Glendale, it has become more than a place to shop or live. It is a shared living room for the city, a setting where urban life feels both vibrant and welcoming.
