Dental Implants in Glendale, AZ

Morgan Fischer

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In Glendale, hidden behind the small community church First Christian Church of the Discipulos de Cristo, a construction project is underway. Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a community-based family shelter, is building a small-scale housing development — out of shipping containers.

Dubbed “Family Promise’s Legacy Village,” the development is smack in the middle of the 85301 ZIP code that contains Glendale’s downtown. That’s no coincidence. As Maricopa County heads toward a new evictions record in 2024, the 9-square-mile area has been hit the hardest.

Since October 2023, a whopping 2,878 evictions have been filed in the 85031 ZIP code alone — almost 150 more than any other ZIP code in the county, according to Maricopa County Justice Courts data. More than 21% of renters in the area, which is 46% Hispanic, have faced eviction over the last year, according to Eviction Lab. Just last month, nearly 250 evictions were filed in 85301.

Ted Taylor, the CEO of Family Promise, has seen the area’s problems firsthand. One of the organization’s shelters is just a couple of blocks away from First Christian Church.

“The problem with affordable housing is there’s not enough of it. Arizona is one of the worst in the nation,” Taylor said. “The snowball is getting bigger, not smaller.”

Operating in Phoenix for more than 25 years, Family Promise provides shelter to homeless families in the Valley through its five shelters and partnerships with churches and synagogues. The organization partners with 38 faith communities to host families in their spaces overnight.

Those receiving services through Family Promise eat dinner and sleep at the faith spaces; they are then picked up by the organization the next morning and transported to their jobs or school. Families will spend seven days at a sanctuary before being moved to the next church or synagogue, and then the process restarts. So far this year, 300 families have used the organization’s emergency shelters.

Family Promise does boast a high rate of success. Seventy percent of the families who go through its services will “successfully graduate into affordable housing within 60 days of arrival,” Taylor said. This rate is much higher than traditional shelters, which Taylor said have a rate of around 30%.

But recently, Family Promise has been struggling with overwhelming demand. Its current wait list has more than 360 families on it. The organization has “never seen numbers like that,” Taylor said. Rents have skyrocketed post-pandemic, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to help families find affordable housing due to scarcity.

“We kept graduating families, and it was getting harder and harder, because finding them homes used to be pretty easy,” Taylor said. “Now, you got to fight for them.”

Morgan Fischer

‘We had to do something’

To address that problem, the nonprofit shelter is getting into the housing development business. The project at First Christian Church will be a single-story micro-housing community comprising six 640-square-foot dwelling units converted from shipping containers. The project is 85% done and set to be completed by the end of the month.

The solar-powered two-bedroom units will be fully furnished and move-in ready for unhoused families. Rent will cost between $400 to $950 a month, depending on the unit. Three of the units will be communal housing, in which two families live together in a two-bedroom unit, with combined rent and utilities set at $100 a week. The remaining three units will each house a single family; rent for those units will be $950 a month.

That’s far less than the cost of an average one-bedroom apartment in Glendale, which go for $1,234 a month, according to Apartments.com. For families coming out of homelessness, that may seem like an impossible monthly number to reach. For every 100 units of housing needed for extremely low-income families, only 24 are available, Taylor said. In the 85301 area, 30% of people live below the poverty line and the median income is $45,837 a year, per U.S. Census data.

“We felt like we had to do something,” Taylor said. “Families are struggling.”

That’s where the idea for Legacy Village originated. Family Promise reached out to First Christian Church, which has approximately 70 members. The church, located at 60th Avenue and Rose Lane, had an empty grass and dirt lot on its property.

“We approached a congregation who trusted us,” Taylor said. “Would you lease us some of your land? A little over an acre, to build a community in it where we could serve families?”

The church agreed.

Legacy Village is not permanent housing, however. It’s meant to be a bridge between homelessness and stable living situations for families, who can stay there for only 90 days.

While the development will serve only a handful of families at the First Christian Church location, Family Promise plans to bring this model to other cities and neighborhoods in the area. Its next project is a 20-unit community in Tempe.

“We’re going to make sure it cash flows so that we can continue to replicate,” Taylor said. “There’s a shortage of housing all over this Valley.”

Glendale may be a major metro Phoenix entertainment hub, with State Farm Stadium hosting multiple Super Bowls and Westgate Entertainment District drawing visitors from all over.

However, the city wasn't always known for its entertainment and nightlife options. It was initially a temperance colony, meaning alcohol was forbidden.

The Arizona Republic archives show what Glendale looked like in its early days. Take a step back in time to see how the once alcohol-free city looked in its earliest days a produce shipping hub for local farmers, long before it was the metro Phoenix entertainment hub it has become today.

Here's what to know about the history of Glendale, including how the West Valley city got its start and how it got its name.

When was Glendale founded?

Glendale was founded on Feb. 27, 1892, as the Glendale Temperance Colony. The city was incorporated about 20 years later in 1910.

More:How did metro Phoenix streets get their names? Here's the story behind 46 roads

What is the history of Glendale?

This bustling city with all sorts of entertainment and nightlife options, many of which include alcohol, had different origins. Glendale was founded on Feb. 27, 1892, as the Glendale Temperance Colony.

The city began as a hub for local farmers to get their goods to market. The no-alcohol policy was initiated as a way to attract families to the area.

An 1892 advertisement in the Arizona Weekly Gazette touted Glendale’s “broad avenues, public squares and large lots,” and stated in large type that the “sale of intoxicants is forever forbidden” in the colony.

Needless to say, that wasn't the case. By the mid-1930s, Glendale residents could legally buy, sell and consume alcohol.

Why is Glendale, AZ, named Glendale?

The origin of Glendale’s name is not entirely known. Arizona chroniclers generally credit the city’s founder, William J. Murphy, for coining the name, but his reason for selecting it has been lost to history.

After working in the railroad industry, Murphy oversaw the building of a 40-mile canal through the raw desert northeast of town. Instead of accepting pay from his employer, the Arizona Canal Co., he accepted a package of stocks and bonds in 1883.

His team of men and mules finished the Arizona Canal in 1885, but Murphy was broke. To get out of debt, he sold water rights and land fed by the canal, according to “Glendale,” the book by journalist and author Dean Smith. He promoted the idea to Chicago-area residents by calling the area Glendale.

“While there are many version of how Glendale got its name, historians are fairly sure that Murphy himself chose it,” Smith wrote.

Additionally, the city was once nicknamed "Sugar City" because of the Beet Sugar Factory. The factory, built in 1906, was described at the time as "the greatest single industrial enterprise in Maricopa County," according to the Glendale Historical Society.

Former Arizona Republic reporter Weldon B. Johnson contributed to this article.

VAI Resort will be home to the acclaimed hospitality group's first restaurant in Arizona, Bar Mar

GLENDALE, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VAI Resort, Arizona's largest hotel premier entertainment destination set to phase open, proudly announces its partnership with the renowned José Andrés Group (JAG). This partnership will introduce Bar Mar, the first José Andrés Group restaurant in Arizona, marking a significant milestone for both VAI Resort and the culinary scene in Glendale.

At Bar Mar, JAG's brilliant renditions of iconic seafood dishes are a true celebration of the bounty of the sea. With modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a vibrant design envisioned by Lázaro Rosa Violán, Bar Mar will elevate VAI's culinary offerings with its world-class cuisine and immersive dining experience.

"We are thrilled to welcome the José Andrés Group to VAI Resort," said Ryan Littman, Vice President of Food and Beverage for VAI Resort. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an iconic resort destination that offers diverse and exceptional experiences. José Andrés Group's reputation for culinary excellence and his commitment to community and philanthropy make this collaboration truly special."

José Andrés Group brings to life innovative dining concepts and impactful storytelling that showcase the power of food to transform communities. With 40 restaurant concepts across major cities in the United States, as well as international countries like The Bahamas and Dubai, José Andrés Group offers a range of culinary experiences from food trucks to Michelin-starred fine dining. In 2021, the group expanded its vision with José Andrés Media, a production company sharing the rich stories and culture of food through multimedia platforms.

"We're thrilled to open Bar Mar, our first restaurant in Arizona in this new epicenter for entertainment," said Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group. "From musical performances to culinary experiences, discovery is a key element of what makes VAI Resort such an exciting, new destination."

The partnership between VAI Resort and José Andrés Group exemplifies a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. As a growing destination for entertainment, dining, hospitality, and more, Glendale and VAI Resort will be the home to José Andrés Group's first restaurant in the state of Arizona, further amplifying the expected growth of Glendale tourism. VAI Resort is set to redefine the concept of a full-service resort with its four hotel towers, 1,100 rooms, suites, and villas, and 11 signature restaurants. This collaboration promises an unparalleled experience, offering guests a culinary journey that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and dynamic flavors for which José Andrés Group is renowned. Together, they are poised to make VAI Resort a premier destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

About VAI ResortVAI Resort is a premiere entertainment resort conveniently located in Glendale, AZ at the heart of Metro Phoenix. Set to phase open, VAI Resort will be Arizona's largest hotel, entertainment, and culinary destination. VAI will redefine the concept of a full-service resort hotel by delivering a multi-faceted experience featuring four hotel towers, with 1,100 rooms, suites, and villas, 11 signature restaurants, Konos Island, a luxury spa, nightclub venue, indoor theater, rides, attractions, curated retail and art installations. The property will also feature first to Arizona attractions including a 130-foot-high Konos Sky Bar, the world's first Mattel Adventure Park™, a 2,000-person capacity indoor multi-level theater & concert venue, as well as the first of its kind VAI Amphitheater, a music and entertainment venue featuring an 11,000 seat, state-of-the-art stage. Led by the VAI Global Development team, VAI will be the manifestation of a dream to create the world's most iconic resort. For more information, visit www.vairesort.com or follow on social @vairesort.

About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is the creative team behind renowned dining concepts and the dynamic media company named for Chef and Founder José Andrés. Originally conceived as ThinkFoodGroup with co-founder Rob Wilder, and now led by Global CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour, the newly named company reflects the breadth of its mission to change the world through the power of food, through its innovative restaurants and thoughtful storytelling across multi-media platforms. With 40 restaurant concepts in Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, and Washington D.C, The Bahamas and Dubai, José Andrés Restaurants offer culinary experiences that span from food trucks to world-class tasting menus, including the two Michelin starred minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C. Formed in 2021, José Andrés Media was created to share how food connects people around the world. The production company specializes in unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital short- and mid-form content with a focus on food-related stories and characters, and the culture of food. José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, television personality, and humanitarian, twice named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People," and awarded "Outstanding Chef" and "Humanitarian of the Year" by the James Beard Foundation as well as the inaugural "American Express Icon Award" by the World's 50 Best Restaurants. For more information, visit www.joseandres.com.

SOURCE VAI Resort

GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Glendale voters will decide this November on Proposition 499, which would increase the city’s minimum wage for event and hospitality workers to $20 per hour.

Prop 499, put on the ballot by the Worker Power Group, would also allow these workers to earn up to $40 per hour for overtime or extra shifts and receive at least a 3% salary increase each year.

It would also limit the square footage that hotel room attendants can clean within an eight-hour workday unless paid overtime.

Brendan Walsh, executive director of Worker Power Group, says the goal is to regulate wages and benefits for these essential workers in Glendale.

He says it’s aimed to help workers keep up with the cost of living in the city.

“It’s an industry where people are struggling to make a living in general,” Walsh said. “The staffing levels have remained low in hotels much lower than necessary, so in the industry people are being overworked and underpaid and really struggling to make ends meet.”

With the city hosting big events in recent years, such as the Super Bowl, Final Four and more, Walsh said the entertainment sector is booming in Glendale.

He also says that with more hotels and events developing in the city’s future, these workers could benefit from this measure.

“A city where event centers—we have spring training, the VAI resort, the Mattel theme park, State Farm Stadium—there’s many tourist attractions, so that industry is really booming there, and we really believe the residents of Glendale should share in that increase, that boom,” Walsh said.

With Prop 499 only being on the Glendale ballot this year, the city of Glendale says it’s not taking a stance on the measure because it’s not a city initiative.

However, after conducting its own research, City Manager Kevin Phelps says it’s important for voters to understand the economic impact this could have on taxpayers if passed.

“We didn’t at that time understand that we would probably have to audit schools because if the school has a gymnasium or if the school has a theater and they do public or private events or sporting events,” Phelps said. “Even if you have contract labor, we have to be able to audit the business.”

Phelps also says as the city tries to compete to host more primetime and A-List events, it’s hard for event centers like Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium to gather enough money to meet the measure’s wage increase requirement for all its workers.

If passed, Phelps says one way to meet Prop 499′s minimum wage and overtime requirements is to increase the costs for visitors and residents to enjoy these events.

“The minimum wage increase alone is giving a raise, based on a 40-hour week, is equivalent to $12,200 a year,” he said. “That’s hard for a property to absorb that kind of wage increase on a single employee. We want our hotels and venues to be competitive, and it’s just we almost have to expect that you’re going to see a significant increase in the rates that they will need to charge.”

If you’re a Glendale resident choosing to vote by mail or in person this election, it’s essential you have everything you need to know about Prop 499 to make an educated vote.

For more details on Prop 499, visit Glendale’s voter information pamphlet.

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Posted

GLENDALE, AZ — José Andrés will open his first Arizona restaurant ’Bar Mar’ at VAI Resort in Glendale!

VAI Resort, scheduled to open in phases starting in 2025, announced the celebrity chef partnership on Tuesday, saying the following:

We’re thrilled to unveil Bar Mar—the first José Andrés Group restaurant in Arizona, where the finest seafood creations meet modern culinary artistry! With Bar Mar by José Andrés as JAG’s first Arizona venture, we’re setting a new standard for dining in the state, bringing bold innovation, world-class seafood, and a dynamic atmosphere to Glendale. With modern takes on classics, you know and love, festive cocktails, and a vibrant design envisioned by Lázaro Rosa Violán, Bar Mar will elevate VAI’s culinary offerings with its world-class cuisine and immersive dining experience. This is a true milestone for VAI Resort, as we partner with one of the most visionary chefs in the world, redefining what it means to dine in Arizona.

Instagram: VAI Resort

’Bar Mar’ will be a part of the more than a dozen concepts created by Chef José Andres and his restaurant group.

Andrés is a world-renowned chef and has appeared on countless culinary shows. He's also a humanitarian and was named one of Times' "100 Most Influential People" twice for his efforts.

The announcement comes after an ABC15 interview with Rian Kirkman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at VAI Resort, who shared that there would be three celebrity chef-driven restaurants on their property.

A total of 12 restaurants are said to open at the resort.

“There's going to be a ray of culinary offerings. I mean, there's going to be […] different types of cuisines. And it's going to be important for us, not only to have guests enjoy it, but we want the locals- so if you're in Glendale, if you're in Peoria if you're in Goodyear, you know, if you're in Surprise- we want to be a destination where people can go to enjoy themselves, whether they stay at the resort or not,” said Kirkman.

What was once Crystal Lagoons, which broke ground in 2021 in Glendale, has since changed to an entertainment venue concept with hotel towers called VAI Resort.

Drive down Loop 101 near Cardinals Way in Glendale and you can’t miss the massive project that’s still under construction. The original plan for VAI Resort was to open in late spring of 2023, but that’s now been pushed back to 2025.

“It will be a phased opening starting late 2025 […] with the other phases opening through the first half of 2026,” said Kirkman. “The amphitheater will certainly be phase one, as well as that Amphitheater Tower. And so, you know, we're, we're going to be a luxury resort that's really going to be about entertainment. I mean, luxury can be sometimes a little stodgy, and we're going to be, we're going to have this playful sophistication around us. So, phase one will really incorporate that amphitheater and that concert experience, the room product, and the restaurants in there.”

“Phase two- as anyone who has worked on […] a major construction project, can be a little bit more fluid- but we anticipate a couple of other towers,” said Kirkman to ABC15. “And then [the] conference center and some of the other elements in the resort in a third phase. Now those things, again, can be fluid and can change, but that's at least [that’s] what the plan is for right now.”

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