Howard-Platz Given Right to Develop Block

The Howard-Platz Group of Glendale on Tuesday was given the exclusive right to develop the 400 block of North Brand Boulevard, where the group plans to build two towers and a plaza.

The City Council and Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the proposal following a joint public hearing.

The agency also acted separately to certify an environmental impact report on the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in April.

The development, to be built in two phases, will include a nine-story office tower and parking structure at the northeast corner of Lexington Drive and Brand.

In the second phase, a 20-story office tower and nine-level parking garage will be built on the southeast corner of Milford Street and Brand. Construction on that phase is expected to begin in two years.

The project will replace the six-story former Valley Federal Bank building. A brick apartment house at 417 N. Maryland Ave., which members of the Glendale Historical Society had sought to preserve, will be razed for the development.