A new residential development is advancing in Glendale’s southern gateway as construction progresses at 1838 South Brand Blvd., where a five-story, 80-unit multifamily building is reshaping the city’s Tropico neighborhood. Located at the southeast corner of Brand Boulevard and Topock Street—just one block north of the Los Angeles border—the project is being led by a new ownership group headed by Gagandeep Lakhmna, following an $8.1 million site acquisition in 2022, according to a report by LA YIMBY. The development, originally entitled in 2020 by Pasadena-based Nor Brand LLC, affiliated with Toledo Homes, was sold prior to groundbreaking. Today, with Alajajian Marcoosi Architects at the design helm, the structure is taking shape under the new leadership, with framing nearing completion and façade installation now underway.
Current progress indicates the development may be ready for occupancy in 2026. Approved through Glendale’s local density bonus program, the project includes a total of 80 residential units configured around a central courtyard in a U-shaped layout. Five apartments will be designated as affordable for very low-income households, and the developer has paid an in-lieu fee covering five additional units. The building’s architectural design emphasizes a contemporary urban aesthetic—featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, glass balconies, and a mix of light stucco and dark accent cladding. Horizontal balcony lines punctuate the façade, lending visual rhythm and texture across the five-story massing. Based on project documents, the unit mix will include studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with access to private or shared open space via balconies or circulation corridors.
The development also includes 139 below-grade parking stalls—127 allocated for residents and 12 for visitors—along with indoor and outdoor amenity offerings such as a fitness center, community room and more than 15,000 square feet of landscaped open space. Landscaped walkways and stepped entry points connect the building to Brand Boulevard and Topock Street, improving pedestrian access and enhancing the site’s street-level interface.
Located within the transitional Tropico neighborhood, the project signals continued investment in South Glendale’s evolving housing landscape. Once known primarily for its low-rise commercial buildings and small apartment complexes, Tropico has seen increasing development interest in recent years, given its proximity to both downtown Glendale and Northeast Los Angeles. The site is walking distance from regional bus lines and a short drive to the 5 and 134 freeways, positioning it well for commuters and urban professionals alike. As Glendale continues to grapple with regional housing needs, projects like this one illustrate how formerly low-density parcels are being reimagined into multi-functional residential hubs.
