Pasadena, California
Celebrating 75 years strong
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Pasadena, Calif.-based MCG Architecture has developed a broad understanding of the numerous complex forces involved in the design of retail destinations. The firm has designed projects that not only exceed clients' expectations in terms of design, but also have proven to be environments in which customers return to repeatedly, creating some of the most successful retail destinations nationwide. With over a billion square feet of completed retail space in its portfolio, MCG has had the opportunity to work in every retail submarket category. From regional malls to neighborhood centers, entertainment districts to power centers — the firm's goal is always to produce innovative, exciting projects with the highest quality work.
As the retail market continues to evolve, MCG is actively expanding its scope of services to include emerging trends from location-based entertainment to hybrid entertainment/retail destinations. The firm believes it will continue to be successful in the retail market because of its ability to conceive and develop projects that demand knowledge and experience in the once disparate markets of retail, hospitality and entertainment. A few of MCG's current projects that demonstrate its versatility include Mt. Shasta, North Highland, Porter Ranch.
Mt. Shasta in Redding, Calif. is the renovation of an outdated mall. Work included the introduction of new pedestrian zones, a new multi-tenant food court, interior finishes and new entry facades to breathe new life into a tired center that found it could no longer compete with more innovative retail destinations. “The dynamics of this redesigned mall is in the creation of vibrant and interactive interiors and exterior spaces, which encourage the destination shopper to extend their stay,” says Jeff Gill, managing principal of MCG's Irvine, Calif. office.
MCG's North Hollywood mixed-use project will consist of a hotel, health club and housing, with adjacent dining and retail. The site is located in proximity to the North Hollywood Metro Station, allowing easy access to Hollywood and downtown. “This project is very exciting to be involved with in that it is really part of a much larger project, which is North Hollywood's urban renewal and development efforts,” says Greg Lyon, director of design of MCG, Pasadena, Calif. Lyon adds “With the new MTA station, and the burgeoning NoHO art district, our project will offer desirable living and entertainment amenities to this upcoming community.”
Porter Ranch in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles is a hybrid/retail destination. This project will include many large box retailers, high-end majors, and an entertainment zone with theaters, branded retail, nighttime entertainment and dining. In addition, there will be 250,000 sq. ft. of office space. “By combining tenants usually associated with power centers, malls, and entertainment destinations into one concept, the result will truly be a new prototype. Porter Ranch will prove to be a model for future retail developments,” says Lyon.
With MCG's nine regional offices across the United States the firm is able to offer clients the individualized attention of a boutique firm supported by the resources of the 150 member staff. “MCG project teams are driven by the ideology that the firm is able to contribute to the financial and emotional success of client projects,” says Rick Gaylord, CEO.