Giggles Nightclub seeks permit variance and plans new facade
Giggles Nightclub may soon get an updated look, as its owner seeks approval for a new facade and a variance to continue using all of the space as a nightclub.
The requests go before the Glendale City Council this afternoon.
Giggles, located at 215 N. Brand Blvd., has been operating for more than 20 years and has become a popular nighttime destination in downtown Glendale.
Most of the work on its proposed new facade would impact the upper portion of the structure, with the street-level, metal framework around the large windows retained and repainted, according to plans filed with the city.
Above the street-level entrances would be a large wood screen consisting of horizontal slats interspersed with LED light strips.
A permanent canopy would be built over the entrances, replacing the canvas awning that is there now, according to plans.
“It’s part of the architectural design,” said city planner Jay Platt.
The existing glazed-glass area on the north side of the building would be replaced with back-lit frosted glass.
A vertical sign with the name of the club would hang over the north entrance with lighting from behind.
Giggles was previously issued a conditional-use permit to operate as a restaurant, nightclub and billiards establishment, but the permit expires on Aug. 1.
The club’s operator now wants Giggles to be strictly a nightclub, according to a city staff report.
In 2006, the city adopted a Downtown Specific Plan which states that a nightclub is not allowed in the first 25 feet of tenant space fronting Brand Boulevard in the area surrounding the Alex Theatre.
However, city staff recommends approval of a permit for Giggles.
“The strict application of the (plan) would create a practical difficulty to modify Giggles’ operation to meet the (plan) requirements or modify the tenant space,” the staff report states.
If a permit is not granted, Giggles would have to look at alternatives, which include ceasing operation as a nightclub. It could also rent the 25 feet fronting Brand to a small restaurant or café, city officials said.
The two-level, 13,154-square-foot building features a 1,023-square-foot dance floor on the ground floor and a 445-square-foot dance floor on the basement level.
