GLENDALE, CA—Local developer Caruso Affiliated has entered the creative office space. The developer, which is known for its retail and residential developments, has purchased the Masonic Temple, a historic landmark, a vacant lot and two adjacent buildings from Frank De Pietro and Sons with plans to build a creative office property. The property will also include some retail and restaurants. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“The Masonic Temple is a local architectural gem, in a vibrant part of Glendale, right across from the Americana at Brand,” Matt Middlebrook, EVP of development of Caruso Development, tells GlobeSt.com. “The history and location present a great opportunity for street retail, dining and office space with the ability to ensure the long-term preservation of a quintessential Glendale art deco tower. We want to celebrate the historic aspect of the Masonic Temple. We are envisioning the Masonic Temple as mixed-use with office and ground-floor retail or dining experience.”

The property is located on South Brand Blvd. and East Colorado Street near Caruso's the Americana at Brand shopping center. The Masonic Temple has 68,000 square feet of space and sits on 38,000 square feet of land. Caruso plans to transform the space into a creative office haven while preserving the historic charm of the building. Although Caruso is new to creative office development, it plans to apply the same model that has provided them success in the retail and multifamily sectors. “Our goal is to be best in class in design and service in whatever we do,” says Middlebrook. “We've done that in retail, more recently in residential, an area which we'll continue to grow, and we're confident we can bring that same model to office.  

The property was originally built in 1928 and was designed a year earlier by architect Arthur G. Lindley and his partner Charles R. Selkirk. Of course, a historic development won't be without its challenges, especially in balancing the design of the newer and older spaces. “The challenge is to preserve what's wonderful about the building while making it work for 21st century clientele,” says Middlebrook. “It forces us to be creative in the ways we look at the space. That's why the building has been vacant for so long, it's a hard space to work with but we believe we've found a solution that will bring life back to a local architectural icon.”