Working World

Given the iconic status of the farmers’ market at Third and Fairfax, there were some of us who weren’t crazy about the idea of a mall going in next door. Some of us (OK, me) even swore we’d never go there. But after being introduced to The Grove on a movie date in 2002, I was quickly won over and even charmed by the style of the place, impressed by the way its spirit seemed so right, like it had always been there. It seemed to embody a certain “L.A.–ness.” I marveled at how perfectly that had been evoked and wondered what kind of talent lay behind this achievement.
    
While The Grove has been criticized as a chain store mecca of particular shallowness and too “artificial,” owner/developer Rick Caruso told LA Weekly, “My projects are clean, they’re safe, they’re family-friendly and they deliver an excellent quality of service. I have no problem being judged by that criteria.” And it’s hard to argue with such popular and commercial success. The Grove has become a gathering place for both locals and tourists like few others in the city. Los Angeles Magazine reported that The Grove attracted more visitors in 2006 than Disneyland and, while retailers’ rents may be double that in other malls, their revenues are commensurate.

Rick’s company, Caruso Affiliated, has created nine other “town center” developments in Southern California, including The Americana at Brand in Glendale, a 900,000-square-foot mixed-use development of retail, entertainment, apartments and condos that opened in May 2008. Rick is sole owner of the privately held company, whose offices are located at The Grove. LA Weekly has alluded to Rick as a rock star with the status of Bono in the world of contemporary retail development. Very hands-on and concerned with maintaining a high-quality environment, you might see him at any of his malls surveying the landscape for needed maintenance or complimenting tenant retailers on their operations.  

A unique aspect of Rick’s planning process is to involve the community and get the input of residents and merchants regarding features they’d like to see. The participation and buy-in of the locals, along with Rick’s charm and business savvy, have made his centers extremely successful. He claims a 90 percent pre-lease rate prior to the start of construction on all of his projects.  

Described as having “game show host good looks,” and consistently stylish in custom-tailored Italian suits, the 50-year-old has a history of working within some powerful Los Angeles institutions. After majoring in business at USC and earning a law degree from Pepperdine, he was, at age 25, the youngest LADWP commissioner in the city’s history. He served there for 13 years and was president of the Los Angeles Police Commission under James Hahn. He even has ties to Republican party heavy-hitters such as George W. Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Caruso Affiliated began with Rick’s father, Henry (Hank) Caruso, who acquired several car dealerships and eventually founded Dollar Rent A Car in the 1960s. Rick grew up in Trousdale Estates and had visions of his own entrepreneurial empire from the time he was a small child.             

The next major project by Caruso Affiliated is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010 adjacent to the historic Santa Anita Park. It will incorporate shops, entertainment, restaurants and public spaces. This complex will also house rent-free offices for the Arcadia School District. Also in the works is a luxury resort in Montecito.

Although Rick has hinted he might one day run for mayor, he declined to enter the race this past year, citing family concerns (he has four children he wants to spend time with). But some insiders believe he has left the possibility open for the future.    

Suzanne Ridgway is a freelance writer and regular columnist for Working World and Working Nurse magazines. She also writes grant proposals for nonprofit organizations.