DEVELOPER SEEKS INPUT ON PROJECT.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

GLENDALE - Caruso Affiliated Holdings, the developer of the Town Center project, plans to aggressively seek community input on the design of the 16-acre, mixed-use downtown development.

At a Redevelopment Agency meeting Tuesday, Rick Caruso, chief executive officer of the firm, unveiled an outreach strategy and design principles for the project.

Since signing a development agreement with the city a month ago, Caruso Affiliated has met with a handful of community organizations, such as the Glendale Homeowners Coordinating Council and Downtown Glendale Merchants Association.

Based on those discussions, it has compiled a list of more than 20 organizations, ranging from service clubs to hospitals, to target for input. ``A number of (the meetings) have gone really well. There is a lot of interest, enthusiasm and many different points of view,'' said Caruso, who has promised to be personally involved in building community consensus.

Jeanne Armstrong, director of development services, said city staff members and Caruso Affiliated will meet with anyone who asks for a presentation.

Councilman Dave Weaver asked that Korean and Filipino organizations be included, in addition to Armenian and Latino groups. He also suggested that the Glendale Unified School District and big local companies, such as Nestle and DreamWorks, be invited to participate.

Town Center is expected to become the next big hangout place for teens. Part of the project will also feature housing, ranging from affordable to luxury, the latter of which will target well-paid professionals.

Proposed for south of Broadway, north of Colorado Boulevard, west of Louise Avenue and east of Central Avenue, Town Center is envisioned as an open-air and pedestrian-friendly project featuring retail, housing, office, restaurants and an urban park.

The design guidelines call for wide sidewalks that can accommodate outdoor dining, lush, resort-like landscaping, individualized buildings featuring towers, cupolas, balconies and other distinctive features.

``Brand (Boulevard) reads very linear. As you go down, you don't catch a lot of architecture or signs to slow down the eye,'' said Caruso. ``Towers and cupolas break that line and catch the eye.''

The developer is scheduled to present conceptual site plans to the city by Sept. 4, and a report detailing the financial feasibility of the project by Oct. 4.

Groups interested in setting up meetings with Caruso Affiliated can call the Redevelopment Agency at [phone].