ANNUAL REPORT
2024
• GREATER DOWNTOWN
GLENDALE
ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
WELCOME THE GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE
ASSOCIATION'S NEW PRESIDENT FOR 2025
Every year, the Greater Downtown Glendale Association holds their Annual meeting of property owners. This year, we elected one new Board member: David Tonyan, a property owner from the Northside of the district, (north of the 134). The Board has elected new officers who have decades of experience in building Downtown Glendale into what it is today. Working closely with the City Manager's office and City Council, the Greater Downtown Glendale Association has, since 2013, made great strides in making this Downtown into one of the fastest growing and most dynamic walkable Downtown neighborhoods in the entire LA region. As a way to introduce the new Board members to the Downtown Glendale property owners at large, we wanted to give a little background on each of the newly elected officers of the non-profit corporation which administers and manages the Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District on a day to day basis. Here are their backgrounds.
PRESIDENT
Randy Stevenson
STEVENSON REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Stevenson Real Estate Services has been a major player in the city of Glendale for over 60 years, with significant activity in the northern part of the Downtown for the past 40 years. Randy's father, Bob Stevenson, began buying and managing real estate assets in Downtown Glendale over 50 years ago. In 1989, The Stevenson family built (and still owns) 1111 North Brand Boulevard. Known as The Brand Village, the property consists of approximately 65,000 square feet of retail and office space. The family owns 11 different parcels in the District, including the Trader Joes/Walgreens shopping center at the northeast corner of Brand Boulevard and Glenoaks Boulevard. Randy believes that the key issues for the next year or two are that of increasing the occupancy of our great office buildings along Brand. "There is clearly a symbiotic, multiplier relationship between our office building owners, multi-family owners and our retail owners. When GDA provides a premier experience in the District and heavily promotes it, we don't just support the retail businesses. We concurrently support the marketing efforts of the office buildings, which can identify the benefits of the District to attract tenants. When the office buildings are successful, it increases daytime population and foot traffic for all of the retail property owners and tenants and creates demand for the multi-family product. The success of the district is therefore circular. Every successful component adds to the success of the other components." Randy continues... 66 "Downtown Glendale is unquestionably one of the nicest areas to live, work and shop in the region. It houses premier retail, dining, residential, and office experiences in one of the cleanest and safest environments in Southern California. Adding to its appeal, Downtown Glendale is strategically located between 3 major freeways which provides incredible accessibility for residents, employees, employers and visitors." -Randy Stevenson
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL REPORT VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVT. RELATIONS
Rick Lemmo
"I think the commitment we made to members of the
FOUNDING GDGA PRESIDENT AND CARUSO Greater Downtown Glendale Association was to improve the SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT quality of cleanliness and hospitality, as well as, helping to increase awareness of what Glendale has to offer. We have Rick Lemmo is one of the key people to establish Downtown worked with our Glendale PD, City Management & City
Glendale into what it is today. As Senior VP for Caruso, Rick was Council to minimize the negatives of a city the size of the founder of the Community Benefit District formation in 2013 Glendale and put a spotlight about what an extraordinary and served as its President for the past 10 years. Due to Rick's work with the former Redevelopment Agency and the City city Glendale is! Our commitment, when we formed the Community Benefit District in 2013, was to focus on Clean Council, the Americana on Brand, started in 1999, has evolved & Safe improvements with a major focus on ALL areas of
into one of the best lifestyle centers in the country today, mixing our district." - Rick Lemmo residential, entertainment, retail and restaurants. The Americana opened in 2008 and since its opening, it has evolved into a key anchor, along with the Galleria, for Downtown retail and restaurants. Today there are approximately 70 retailers, full service restaurants and nearly a dozen pop-ups that provide a great shopping experience surrounding the beautiful public space in the middle of the Americana complex. In Rick's own words, this is what the Association will to continue to accomplish for Downtown Glendale:
VICE PRESIDENT
Craig Gorris
GALLERIA SHOPPING CENTER
Craig Gorris, serves as the Vice President of the Greater Downtown Glendale Association. Craig has been on the Board since last year and represents the Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand. They are the largest property owners and "Enforcement of current busker and assessees paying into the Downtown Community Benefit District. Craig has been the sidewalk vending ordinances, continuing General Manager at the Galleria since September 2023 and has been with Brookfield the city's momentum placing a priority Properties/General Growth since 2005. He has been in shopping center management on greater efficiency with permits and since 1995. inspections to get new businesses open
as soon as possible, a comprehensive
The Galleria has approximately 250 tenants including office tenants, retailers, plan involving the GDGA, the business restaurants and kiosks within the center. He estimates that there are approximately community and the city of Glendale, to 3,500 employees working at the Galleria, making it perhaps the largest landlord with establish a weekend/holiday traffic multiple tenant employees in Downtown. He also stated that the Galleria is one of the circulation plan to help alleviate top producers in the Brookfield Properties' portfolio and ranks highly in categories congestion during peak traffic periods. including annual footfalls (top 3 in the company, net operating income and sales (per Finally, supporting the recent voter square foot). Craig has listed his top priorities working on the Board as: approved Proposition 36 which will promote enhanced criminal prosecution
SECRETARY for crimes against property and retail
Raul Porto theft." - Craig Gorris
PORTO'S BAKERY
Raul Porto is the son of the founders of Porto's Bakery on Brand Boulevard and was also a founding member of the Greater Downtown Glendale Association in 2013. Porto's bakery has been a long standing institution and reflection of high quality and affordable baked goods in Downtown Glendale. Everyone seems to know and love the products from Porto's Bakery. Porto's has been operating in Downtown Glendale since 1980, almost 45 years now. They have been operating out of the current bakery building since 1993.
2 2024 ANNUAL REPORT GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION Starting in Downtown Glendale, Porto's Bakery has grown into a family owned bakery chain in the LA Region encompassing 5 "I think we should continue with all the current initiatives; bakeries in the Los Angeles region and one in Orange County. in addition we should focus more on marketing and Continued expansion including areas further south in Southern creating a stronger trade area.." - Raul Porto California are part of their growth plan. Beginning the bakery with family members and a handful of employees, Porto's now Following that train of thought, the GDGA will be looking at has around 2,000 employees and anyone who patronizes strengthening our social media, events and public space Porto's knows that they have a tremendous following throughout development, generating ongoing demand for property owners the day. In asking Raul, what he thought the priorities should be and businesses alike. for the Downtown in the coming year, Raul stated:
TREASURER
Helen McDonagh
MASSAGE ENVY
As one of the two business tenants on the new Board of
Directors, Helen McDonagh is the owner of the Massage Envy • 11 Glendale franchise, (Regional Developer for Los Angeles area and was a founding member of the Community Benefit District when it was formed in 2013. Helen's experience in Downtown Glendale is deep and she has developed the Massage Envy Los Angeles region based upon her launch of Massage Envy
Downtown Glendale.
Helen opened her business on Brand Blvd. in 2005. Once "I would like to see a valet option on the 300 block of Brand opening here, she immediately helped start the old Downtown Blvd. as we are getting constant complaints from members Glendale Merchants Association. Since her opening, she now and guests about the lack of convenient parking. I would also has 25 employees and is a strong advocate for business like to see more business attraction services around interests along Brand Blvd. In terms of goals for Downtown in restaurants and bars in Downtown Glendale." the coming years, she would like to see the following: - Helen McDonagh The Growth of the Greater Downtown
Glendale Neighborhood
RESIDENTIAL UNITS 2025 - 2027
IN PLANNING OR UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Like many other major cities in the US,
Number of new Downtown Glendale is evolving from a
Name of Development Location key business district to a new residential units
neighborhood for thousands of residents.
The old Sears Site Central Ave. and W 682 This will have a profound impact on California Street existing retail, restaurants and services as these residents have made the choice
Omni Development 134 and Brand Bivd (south 858
side) to live in a city, wit a walkable
environment. This means great success
820 North Central Arden and Central Avenue TBD as we build our internal market of new consumers, employees and neighbors in
610 N. Brand Doran and Brand Blvd. 294
the Greater Downtown Glendale area.
Total Residential Units 1,834 This is only the beginning! (without 820 N. Centralincluded)
3 GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL REPORT GDGA AMBASSADOR STATS:
21,679, 45 gallon bags; 373 Shopping carts returned to
approximately 401,000 pounds of businesses or removed from the litter picked up off the streets district.
272 Reports filed; including broken 402 Homeless outreach performed city property, extensive graffiti, and relating to business calls and illegal dumping. disturbances.
444 Clean ups performed of bio 2728 Graffiti, Stickers, and Posters waste and human waste. removed.
1569 Directions or
Recommendations given.
PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH
(FORMERLY TWITTER)
LIKES
3,020 9.7K 1,459
FOLLOWERS 9.5K FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS
4 2024 ANNUAL REPORT GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 29th Annual Glendale
Cruise Night
EVENTS
The 29th Annual Glendale Cruise Night took place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with an estimated 40,000 people in attendance. 390 classic and modified import cars filled Brand Blvd. from Broadway to Doran St., with visitors walking the streets to see the cars, eat at our local downtown restaurants, and listen to live music. Attendees enjoyed 2024
performances by "Tambourine Man - A Tribute to Bob Dylan", "China Grove - A Doobie Brothers Tribute", and "The Springsteen Experience - A Tribute to The Boss". 53 local businesses and organizations hosted booths set up on the street, and local radio and AT A GLANCE news stations broadcasted live from the event. The event closed with a fireworks display from behind the main stage. Staff secured a total of $49,500 in sponsorships this year to help offset the cost of the event. BMW was the "Presented By" sponsor at a $10,000 donation, and Greater Downtown Glendale Association and the City's Economic Development Department were both "Platinum" sponsors at $5,000 donations each. The remaining funds were collected from various other sponsors and international
Women's International International
Women's Women's vendor booths.
Day
Day Day
Glendale Tech Week 2024
Glendale Tech Week 2024 brought together nearly 3,000 founders, investors, and community members across 22 impactful events, celebrating the region's thriving tech ecosystem. The week highlighted the energy and creativity of Glendale's tech community, fostering valuable connections and knowledge exchange. From insightful industry panels to the dynamic Demo Day pitch competition, the event underscored the strength and innovation of the local tech scene. One of the standout moments was TACTUN's victory in the Demo Day Pitch Competition, where the company won a prize package valued at over $20,000. TACTUN, a spin-off from RAFA Solutions, develops AI- ready hardware controllers and no-code platforms, driving increased productivity and real-time decision-making in smart machinery.
The week also featured the recognition of David Yeom, CEO of Glendale-based Evite, who received a commendation from Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan for his contributions to the local tech community and his recent honor as EY 2024 Greater LA Entrepreneur of the Year. Other highlights included a series of thought-provoking panels and the exciting closing ceremony, which capped off the week with memorable moments. As Glendale continues grow its tech ecosystem, Tech Week has proven to be an essential platform for sparking collaboration, sharing knowledge, and showcasing the region's growing influence in the tech world.
International Women's Day
On March 8, 2024, the Greater Downtown Glendale Association hosted its annual International Women's Day Event at the elegant MYA Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel.
Centered around the global theme of "Inclusion," the evening featured a powerful keynote address by Corinne Verdery, CEO of Caruso. Sponsored by Glendale Massage Envy, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, Adventist Health Glendale, and The Glenmark Hotel, the event brought together over 100 guests for an inspiring evening of networking, community-building, and celebration.
Guests enjoyed tray-passed appetizers, beverages, and vibrant conversations in a dynamic setting that underscored the importance of fostering inclusive communities.
The event's success was amplified by an increase in social media reach and local community outreach, showcasing the power of local partnerships and engagement.
This memorable evening not only honored the contributions of women but also laid the groundwork for future growth and collaboration in the Glendale community. 5 GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL REPOR — GREATER DOWNTOWN —
GLENDALE
ASSOCIATION
SAVE THE DATE
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN'S DAY
CELEBRATION #ACCELERATEACTION
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
MAYOR ELEN ASATRYAN
MARCH 7, 2025 | 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM
MYA ROOFTOP @ THE GLENMARK HOTEL
NEW BUSINESSES
THAT OPENED IN GREATER
DOWNTOWN GLENDALE IN 2024
• StretchMed • Bottega Veneta
• WILLIAM & COMPANY • Louis Vuitton
• Cavi Sushi • Rookie Kids
• PAAPAIII BBQ GLENDALE LLC • La La Land Kind Café
• DON DAISYS INC • K Photolavie
• Wallflower Market LA • Miniso
• No Easy Props • SeaButter
• Refresh Beauty & Wellness • Kpop Station
• Katsu Bar and Sushi • Korheim
• Greek Bistro • Lacoste
• Martial Arts History Museum • Brandy Melville
• Mejuri • Edikted
• ASRV
• Converse
• The Center for Armenian Arts
• Melissa
• Cool Bites Patisserie
• My Little Shop
• POP Mart
• Christy's Foundation
• Popeyes
• Panini Kabob Grill
• Savage Fenty
• Bottega Veneta
2024 ANNUAL REPORT GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
GDGA COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT MAP
NEW-CITY S701 NEW-CITY Greater Glendale CBD 202
5646-011
5642-001
5844-013
GREATER DOWNTOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
2024 EXPENSES 2024 2025
Total - $1,909,301.26 Rick Lemmo Randy Stevenson
President | Executive Committee President | Executive & Chair | Director of Government SOBO Committee Chair
Relations Stevenson Real Estate
$994,910.12 The Americana at Brand | Caruso Rick Lemmo
SIDEWALK OPERATIONS & LANDSCAPING Raul Porto Vice President Vice President Director of Government Relations
Porto's Bakery The Americana at Brand | Caruso
Randy Stevenson Craig Gorris
Vice President | SOBO Committee Vice President
Chair | Stevenson Real Estate Glendale Galleria
Helen McDonagh Brookfield Properties
Secretary | Treasurer | DISI Raul Porto
Committee Chair Secretary | Porto's Bakery
Massage Envy Glendale Helen McDonagh
Bradley Calvert Treasurer | DISI Committee Chair
Board Member City of Glendale Massage Envy Glendale
5266,040,05 Judee Kendall Bradley Calvert
DISTRICT IDENTITY Board Member Board Member City of Glendale Glendale Chamber of Commerce Judee Kendall
Y MARKETING /
$364,664.12 PUBLIC SPACES Craig Gorris Board Member
Board Member Glendale Chamber of Commerce
CARRY FORWARD FY25
Glendale Galleria | Brookfield David Tonoyan
Properties Board Member | Dot818
$283,686.97
ADMENISTRATION The Greater Downtown Glendale Association is managed by New City America
Executive Director District Manager
Marco Li Mandri Ryan Huffman
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 100 N. Brand Blvd.
Suite 508
Glendale, CA 91203
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