Residential complex has grand opening event

With the help of two local chambers of commerce and Glendale mayor Zareh Sinanyan, center, and others, the residential complex Lex on Orange had its grand opening ceremony at its location on the 300 block of N. Orange St. in Glendale on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014.

By Arin Mikailian, <i><a href=”mailto:arin.mikailian@latimes.com”> arin.mikailian@latimes.com</a></i>

Aug. 26, 2014 4:55 PM PT

A ribbon-cutting event officially welcomed the 310-unit Lex on Orange residential complex to downtown Glendale and, with it, the potential of attracting professionals to live and work in the area, according to city officials.

The complex, developed by AMLI, a company that builds and manages upscale apartments, spans two five-story buildings at 321 N. Orange St., and is comprised of upscale studios as well as one- and two-bedroom with monthly rents ranging from $2,000 to $4,500.

Smoking is prohibited on-site and amenities include a resort-style swimming pool with nearby cabanas, outdoor fireplaces, a two-story fitness center, a game lounge and a sky deck overlooking the city.

Mayor Zareh Sinanyan spoke just before snipping the ribbon, saying Lex on Orange is just one of the steps toward promoting downtown as a place where people can reside and work close by enough to keep morning commutes to short walks.

He said the goal is to have a city that’s on the go 18 hours a day.

“[The development] is an inherent part of the plan,” he said. “We’re well on our way to making sure we have a viable downtown.”

Construction started in April 2012. So far, only half of the units have been leased since people started moving in March, said Mary Missirlian, Lex on Orange’s senior marketing coordinator.

Maria Sahakian, director of marketing and events for the nonprofit Glendale Arts, moved into the development with her boyfriend in April. She said both of them work within walking distance of Lex on Orange, so they save money at the gas pump.

“I’m very fortunate to now walk to work,” Sahakian said. “I don’t have to drive very much. That’s one of the many conveniences and advantages of living here.”

Several other new residential development projects within a few blocks of Lex on Orange are in the pipeline as well, such as the six-story, 80-unit Legendary Tower under construction at 300 N. Central Ave. and a 94-unit mixed-used development at 319 N. Central Ave. approved by the Glendale City Council in June.