Medical office property set to rise in Glendale’s Civic Center
A five-story, 32,500-square-foot medical office and retail building is slated to rise in the heart of downtown Glendale’s Civic Center.
Planned for 517 E. Broadway, the “Janoian building” — named for the doctor operating a medical facility currently located at the site — will feature a unique design constructed from glass, metal fins and poured concrete. The east-facing side will slope inward, with open-air balconies and terraces carved into the facade.
“This building aims to integrate its mission and image within the city context that it belongs to, therefore becoming a potential landmark to the community and representing, at the intersection of government, law and justice, the social significance of healthcare,” said Marcelo Spina, one of the architects behind the project.
Spina was referencing the property’s position just a stone’s throw from City Hall, police headquarters and the courthouse. Owner Dr. Noobar Janoian is chief executive of a medical nonprofit that provides services to low-income and uninsured patients.
The building won praise from Glendale City Council members, who approved the property’s design during a special meeting on Jan. 21.
“Finally, we have a building that is gorgeous — it looks like great architecture, it’s different, it’s modulated,” Councilwoman Paula Devine said. “It has all these characteristics that we were looking for in the new [downtown specific plan].”
However, there was consensus for a redesign of an 8-foot by 40-foot sign reading “Janoian” proposed to run across an upper floor of the building.
Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian requested “something that’s a little bit more modest.”
In addition to office space and ground-floor patio, the property will feature a “pocket park” with benches and landscaping, as well as a public art piece.
Glendale City Councilman Vreg Agajanian recused himself from the deliberations, citing a possible conflict of interest.
The project valuation for the Janoian building is $17.5 million, according to Todd Lynch, partner with the architecture firm behind the project.