A presentation to the Glendale Design Review Board showcases an updated look for a proposed development from Onni Group which would replace a surface parking lot on the northern end of downtown with the city's tallest buildings.

The proposed project at 601 N. Brand Boulevard, once pitched as a hotel development, calls for the construction of twin 36-story towers containing a combined 858 one- and two-bedroom apartments atop parking for 942 vehicles and 5,600 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Other improvements to the overall development site, including a 14-story office tower, are to be retained.

Looking west across Brand BoulevardSCB

Onni is relying on density bonus incentives to permit a larger structure than would otherwise be allowed at this location. In exchange, Glendale will require that 129 of the apartments be set aside for rent as very low-income affordable housing. That set-aside will also cover the project's obligations under Glendale's inclusionary housing requirement.

SCB's updated design for the buildings is described as being "more streamlined and elegant," compared to the prior iteration of the project, with elements similar to other important Glendale buildings like the Alex Theater and City Hall. Likewise, changes have been made to the plaza at project's Brand Boulevard frontage, swapping out hardscape for more greenery and adding new public art. The new design still calls for towers 380 feet in height, as well as amenities such as co-working space, a fitness center, rooftop decks, and lounges.

"In order to create tenant amenity spaces of workable depth, the towers are pushed to the northern boundary of the Site, holding the streetwall and maximizing daylight into the narrow area remaining," states a narrative included with the presentation. "A new Public Plaza is proposed holding the corner itself and acts as a landmark upon entering into the City Center and acts as an intimate anchor for public gatherings: an urban 'Living Room.' These two spaces are then visually connected by a terraced landscape, the balconies of the Eastern tower positioned just above, creating a lively, medium-scaled space activated in all three dimensions."

View of new plaza from BrandSCB

Onni is one of three firms which have recently pitched high-rise buildings for Downtown Glendale, joining proposals for a standalone hotel tower to the north across the 134 Freeway and a 24-story building which could sprout on the opposite side of Brand Boulevard. The latter property was recently listed for sale.

Other upcoming projects from Onni include an under-construction apartment tower in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as new high-rise buildings planned in Hollywood and Mid-Wilshire.

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