Caruso Shapes The Americana at Brand as a One-of-a-Kind for Los Angeles - Elevating the Retail Experience with Contemporary Global Icons.

Latest Release Includes the First U.S. Location for Peter Alexander and a Host of Other Retailers That Will Debut in Southern California at The Americana at Brand 

GLENDALE, Calif. -- Caruso Affiliated is setting a new standard at The Americana at Brand, delivering a selection of distinctive and highly-coveted fashion retailers alongside an eclectic collection of sophisticated and casual dining options. Set to open in May, The Americana at Brand is Caruso's most ambitious project to date with almost one million square feet of shopping, dining and luxury residences in the heart of downtown Glendale. The latest announcement of prominent retailers includes an array of "firsts." Unveiling its first new concept store, Tiffany & Co. will offer its contemporary Tiffany collections. The first United States location for popular Australian designer Peter Alexander and his contemporary collection of sleepwear, lingerie and gifts; the first California and only the second U.S. location for Paperchase, the U.K. purveyor known for its unusual stationery and arts collections; the first Gilly Hicks in California, casual yet unique lingerie and apparel; Stuart Weitzman offering designer evening, dress and casual women's shoes as well as luxurious handbags; the first Southern California Vera Bradley boutique with its colorful collection of quilted handbags and home furnishing; and the previously announced first in Los Angeles Kate Spade boutique.

"The Americana at Brand brings together a bold collection of retailers to the region and creates a singular shopping, dining and entertainment destination that will draw visitors from throughout the region," said Todd M. Russell, executive vice president for Caruso Affiliated. "The number of international retailers and fashion brands that have chosen to open their first locations in California, and in some cases in the U.S., at The Americana at Brand validates our original assessment of the extraordinary potential of the market. We also appreciate the confidence of these retailers in our ability to deliver an exceptional environment that appeals to their discerning consumers."

The Americana at Brand is almost 100 percent leased with the latest additions to its spectacular tenant line up:

Bare Escentuals - as the leader of the mineral make-up revolution with bare minerals, Bare Escentuals offers the complete line of cosmetics, treatments and body products.

Beard Papa - the bakery of the world's best cream puffs. Known for its crunchy pastries which are made fresh daily and filled with a variety of whipped custard creams.

Caffe Primo - creating a true European ambiance, Caffe Primo offers fresh salads, pizzettas, paninis, premium gelato and sorbettos as well as coffees and espresso.

Calvin Klein - recognized around the world as a leading American designer, Calvin Klein offers its contemporary yet sophisticated consumers the latest designs for men and women all of which will be showcased in its dramatic two-level flagship store.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - set in a hand-crafted oak paneled environment, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf creates a social gathering place offering the finest coffees and teas from around the world.

Cole Haan - blending craftsmanship, luxury, style and innovation, Cole Haan, known as the premier American lifestyle brand offers men's and women's footwear, handbags, outerwear and gifts.

CrepeMaker - a fresh dining concept offering hand-made crepes prepared with the highest quality ingredients.

Custo Barcelona - originating in Spain, this European retail concept offers unique apparel for men and women in vibrant colors and quality fabrics.

Frida - expanding from its Beverly Hills location, Frida offers authentic Mexican cuisine prepared gourmet style. All of which is set in a refined environment true to its heritage atmosphere.

Gilly Hicks -the cheeky Australian cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch offers women's sleepwear, casual yet sexy apparel and bath and body products. A California exclusive.

Granville Cafe - an inviting cafe which offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, coffees and desserts, all made with premium and natural ingredients, in a casual yet upscale environment for professionals and families to enjoy.

Guess Footwear - a new contemporary American women's footwear concept featuring the Guess signature style. A California exclusive.

Jamba Juice - popular smoothie concept featuring drinks made with fresh fruit, sorbets and fruit juices, snacks and fresh-squeezed juices.

Jody Maroni's - more than 24 varieties of gourmet sausage made the old-fashioned way with only the finest and freshest ingredients.

Jewel City Diner - a charming old-fashioned downtown diner with original American fare serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Nestle Toll House Cafe - cookies, cookie cakes, brownies, ice-cream, milk shakes and smoothies before or after the theater.

Paperchase - innovative stationery boutique based in the UK which features a vast array of unusual papers and art materials as well as stationary, greeting cards and gifts. A West coast exclusive.

Peek, Aren't You Curious - opening its second location in Southern California, Peek, Aren't You Curious stocks a mix of children's apparel, footwear, accessories and toys in an environment friendly to both children and parents.

Peter Alexander - designer Peter Alexander based in Melbourne, Australia expands to the United States with the opening of his namesake boutique at The Americana at Brand. Most known throughout the world for sleepwear and lingerie, this store will also offer his new line of children's apparel and gift items.

Richie's Neighborhood Pizzeria - a New York style pizzeria featuring 1950's and 60's decor that offers hand tossed pizzas using the highest-quality ingredients.

Ruehl - an upscale American lifestyle concept offering an individual style for the young urban professional with its lines of apparel, leather goods and accessories.

Stuart Weitzman - unveiling its new store design here in the United States, Stuart Weitzman offers designer dress, evening, bridal and casual women's shoes and luxurious must have handbags.

Tiffany & Co. - the first of its kind, a contemporary collection of Tiffany & Co. offered in a modern environment.

Vera Bradley - known for its signature quilted handbags, accessories and travel items, Vera Bradley will also offer its complete line of home furnishings.

XXI - a new fashion concept from the creators of Forever 21, offering style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers the current fashions at the greatest value.

With this announcement, The Americana at Brand cements its position as the location of choice in Los Angeles for taste and style makers. Previously announced retailers include: Anthropologie, A/X Armani Exchange, Art of Shaving, Aveda Lifestyle Salon, Barnes & Noble, Barneys New York CO-OP, BCBG Max Azria, Calidora Skin Clinic, Chico's, crewcuts, Divine Boutique, Free People, H&M, J. Crew, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Katsuya, Kiehl's, Lacoste, Lucky Kid, lululemon athletica, Marciano, Martin + Osa, Michael Stars, pinkberry, Puma, Sur La Table, The Cheesecake Factory, True Religion, Urban Outfitters and the 18-screen Pacific Theatres cinema.

Encompassing 15.5 acres in the heart of Glendale, The American at Brand is a $400 million urban mixed-use development community, which broke ground in June 2006. Located within minutes of Los Feliz, Silverlake, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, it is bound by Brand Boulevard, Central Avenue and Colorado Street. The 900,000-square-foot lifestyle center features 475,000 square feet of retail comprised of 75 shops and boutiques, an 18-plex cinema and a variety of casual and fine dining options, and will offer The Residences at Americana at Brand Residences at, a 238 luxury apartment complex and The Excelsior, 100 luxury condominium homes - residences created with classic Caruso flair, quality and attention to detail.

Caruso Affiliated is known for creating open-air community and regional retail environments that serve as fashionable local gathering places. Caruso's style has become a recognized brand within the retail industry and with California residents and visitors. The success of the company's stylish and elegant outdoor environments has challenged the traditional "mall" concept and set a new standard in the industry. A recognized leader in this trend, Caruso Affiliated's growth is approximately two times that of the largest publicly traded REITs and sales per square foot at Caruso properties are 75 percent higher than the industry average.

In addition to The Americana at Brand, other projects in development include The Shops at Santa Anita in Arcadia, CA and the company's first luxury destination resort in Montecito, CA with the recent acquisition of the historic Miramar Hotel. Caruso Affiliated's portfolio of top performing retail centers includes The Grove in Los Angeles, the Waterside, Marina del Rey, The Promenade at Westlake, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks and The Commons at Calabasas.