Council Postpones Decision on Plan for Town Center Developer

The City Council on Tuesday postponed a decision on who will get first crack at developing Town Center, a massive redevelopment project that could cost more than $100 million.

City staff workers had recommended that Glendale negotiate exclusively with Donahue Schriber, developer of the Glendale Galleria, for 90 days to create basic plans for the project and a business agreement between the developer and city.

But some council members said more time may be needed to fully assess the project, which could include construction of more than 1 million square feet of space for retail stores and other businesses and take three to five years to build.

“I’m not sure 90 days is enough for a project of that magnitude,” Councilman Larry Zarian said.

The council has reserved its right to negotiate with another developer, Arizona-based Vestar Development, if it cannot reach agreement with Donahue Schriber. A selection committee rated Donahue Schriber over Vestar but said both firms were qualified to build the project.

At Tuesday’s meeting, a Vestar executive asked the council to commit itself in writing to give the project to Vestar if the city does not reach agreement with Donahue Schriber by the end of the 90-day period. Council members rejected the request.