Gruen Vault

A Step in Time: Celebrating Gruen’s 75+ Years in Practice

Before there was Gruen Associates, our history began with the establishment of Victor Gruen Associates in 1946. The firm was composed of professionals from all fields of engineering, architecture and planning. As attention turned towards solving problems of modern urban areas for mass populations, Victor Gruen and his partners captured the minds of the architectural and planning world with their inventive concepts for shopping centers and mixed-use commercial centers, as well as their master plans for rebuilding the deteriorating downtown cores of major cities. They were motivated by a shared appreciation of the collaborative process, by complementary qualifications and experience, and by cultivating a community of professional purpose through mentorship and advocacy.

Today, as Gruen Associates, we continue to thrive on these cornerstone principles, bringing innovation to architecture, planning, interior design and landscape architecture. The Partners, and our Associates Group and staff remain committed to the principles of collaborative creativity—upon which the firm was founded—to plan, design and build projects that gain iconic status and shape communities.

Reflecting on more than 75 years in practice, the Gruen Vault was created to highlight the firm’s achievements throughout our decades of influence. The Gruen Vault will be a robust page that celebrates the monumental legacy of our founder Victor Gruen, the progression of Gruen Associates, our leaders, staff and colleagues. The page will also feature the growth of our industry through our ideas and solutions that continue to enhance our built community and profession.