GLENDALE : Razing of Galleria Garage Has Begun

Demolition work began last weekend on the first of three triple-decker parking structures that will be torn down and rebuilt over the next two years, adding a new fourth deck.

Last year, a 1,500-space garage that represented a third of the parking spaces for the Galleria I mall was rebuilt after crumbling in the Northridge earthquake.

Mall officials say the three adjoining garages, which are somewhat smaller, are safe to park in, but still need repairs and it is more efficient to replace them than fix them.

The first garage to fall is located on Colorado Street behind the Robinsons-May store, said Pat Donahue, vice president of mall developer Donahue Schriber. It is expected to be rebuilt by November.

Next January, demolition will begin on the two middle-parking structures, each of which will be rebuilt with a fourth level added. Then, the developer plans to go back and add a fourth deck to the northernmost and southernmost parking structures, Donahue said.

The entire parking area, sandwiched between Columbus Street and the mall, will increase by about 1,000 spaces when the project is finished, officials said.