(May 16, 2008) — Glendale became a tourist attraction and had huge crowds of curious people stop by for the grand opening of the Americana on Brand on May 2. With its European charm and high-end stores, Rodeo Drive should watch out! The $400-million dollar project that took years to build has finally arrived. Developer Rick Caruso is the man behind the magic of creating the Americana. His company, Caruso Affiliated, has built other major shopping centers including the Grove in West L.A. and The Commons in Calabasas. Many stores in Glendale have closed and moved their locations to the Americana, including Jamba Juice and Barnes & Noble. Stores have expanded and expect more business as a result. The 475,000-square foot open mall has a variety of shops, restaurants, apartments for rent and even an outdoor chandelier and a mini Eiffel Tower. The Luxury condos at the Excelsior range from $700,000 to over $2 million. “It’s twice as big as the Grove. There’s a fountain and a trolley too,” senior Araxie Ashkharian said. “You don’t really feel like you’re in Glendale.” Askharian and her brother, junior Nazo Askharian, both work at the Americana. Araxie works alongside fellow senior Clarkies Lora Khatcherian, Flora Yeganyan, Rosa Peña and Mary Gabrielyan at XXI, the two-story Forever 21 megastore. To celebrate the opening of the Americana, employees had the privilege of attending a Gala Night and watching the screening of Iron Man . “We get lots of benefits like one free ticket for a friend and scholarship opportunities,” senior Anne Asi said. Asi works at the new Pacific Theatres at the Americana. “It’s my first job so I’m kind of excited,” she said. Some stores to look out for are Anthropology, BCBG, Urban Outfitters, XXI, Ruel, Pinkberry, Guess, Barnes & Noble, Armani Exchange, Juicy and True Religion. Also, Ed Hardy will be opening up in the summer. Other convenient shops include Rite Aid, Coffee Bean and Jamba Juice. The only inconvenience besides the massive traffic and angry drivers who regularly pass by Brand Boulevard on their way home is the $9 parking. Employees don’t get free parking permits but enjoy a 50 percent discount on parking. Many have opted to get dropped off or park at the Glendale Galleria parking structure for free instead. The project, which got voted on in 2006 by the Glendale City Council, has become the “it” attraction for Glendalians. Due to the construction of the vast retail and entertainment center, restaurants around the vicinity have enjoyed increased business as well. Clark alum Illya Williams, who works at In-N-Out on Brand, said that they’ve never had so much business and long lines. Opening weekend restaurants like BJs, California Pizza Kitchen and Islands also had a minimum of one hour waiting periods for customers. Despite up to four hour waiting periods during the opening week and a policy to not take any reservations, many are excited for the arrival of the Cheesecake Factory. “Finally we don’t have to go all the way to Pasadena,” Ashkharian said.