By Jessie Schiewe
Far more than a mall, the massive “lifestyle center” that is the Americana at Brand resembles a small town, one that’s built around a 2-acre park and a giant water fountain (created by the designers behind the famed Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas). The mixed-use space is designed to be walkable and, like its sister property, the Grove, has an on-site trolley route.
Opened in 2008, the Caruso property claims to be one of the 15 most-productive and highest-grossing retail centers in the world. It’s a place where you’ll find a bevy of high-end shops (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co.), entertainment stores (Apple, the Samsung Experience Store, Barnes & Noble) and notable restaurants (Seabutter Sushi, La La Land Kind Cafe, Bacari).
Whether it’s a movie, a new Alo Yoga colorway, the latest iPhone or a Wetzel’s Pretzels craving that brings you to the Americana, you may decide you never want to leave the premises. And that’s an option. There are more than 200 luxury residential condos and apartments located above the stores and restaurants, offering a rare opportunity for Angelenos to live in an enclave where (almost) everything you need is just a short stroll or escalator ride away.