Burbank Approves New Civic Center And Library Redevelopment

• Burbank approved plans for a new civic center expansion and public plaza
• Project includes a 119,000-square-foot central library and city office building
• Construction could begin in summer 2027

What The Civic Center Redevelopment Includes

The City of Burbank has officially approved plans to redevelop and expand its Civic Center campus with a new library, public plaza, and parking structure. The approved plan calls for demolition of several existing city-owned buildings and surface parking lots near 3rd Street, Olive Avenue, Orange Grove Avenue, and Glenoaks Boulevard.

In their place, the city plans to construct:

• A new four-story, 119,000-square-foot Central Library and city office building
• A four-story parking garage with approximately 310 spaces
• A 42,430-square-foot public plaza designed for community events and gathering spaces

The existing Community Services Building at 3rd Street and Orange Grove Avenue will remain intact.

What The Public Plaza Is Designed To Offer

Renderings presented during community meetings show an open civic plaza featuring landscaped walking areas, green space, and flexible event programming. City officials envision the plaza functioning as a central gathering point capable of hosting farmers' markets, public events, and community activities throughout the year. The design reflects a growing trend among municipalities to create more pedestrian-oriented civic environments rather than standalone government buildings surrounded by parking infrastructure.

What This Means For Downtown Burbank

The project is expected to significantly reshape the city’s Civic Center district by consolidating public services while improving the overall public realm. Rather than focusing solely on municipal office space, the redevelopment combines civic functions with open-space activation and community-oriented programming. This type of civic reinvestment has become increasingly common in California cities seeking to modernize aging public facilities while also creating more active downtown environments.

What The Timeline Looks Like Moving Forward

With environmental approvals now adopted, the project can move into later planning and implementation phases. Construction is currently expected to begin in summer 2027, though final scheduling will depend on funding, permitting, and phased site preparation. Once completed, the project will serve as one of the most significant public infrastructure investments in downtown Burbank in recent years.