Business owners bullish on Glendale’s housing boom

Neon yellow pads of insulation and dark blue-painted steel pipes interconnect all over downtown, stages of construction that will one day house Glendale residents.

Brand Boulevard is home to towering cranes, hard-hatted workers and an endless supply of dust, things and people that seem to have taken permanent residence along the streets.

In the midst of the dusty piles of earth, geometrically arranged metal beams, and the buzzing of equipment, construction is progressing and the buildings are taking shape.

According to Phillip Lanzafame, Glendale’s director of economic development, the new units are intended to bring in a younger population for nearby businesses.

“The new development offers a nontraditional, semi-urban experience and attracts a different type of resident who wants to be in a downtown or more urban environment,” he said.

The new housing units are also expected to spur business.

“Urban dwellers are expected to frequent downtown stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, providing a new customer base to support downtown commerce,” he said.

“I don’t think a lot of people mind the construction,” said shop owner Louise Mendoza, owner of Lui Authentic Luxury on Wilson Avenue and Orange Street. “They’re just doing their own thing.”

Pat Tavorn, the 20-year-owner of Tep Thai, thinks the construction will benefit her restaurant.

“I think it’s going to help business,” she said.

Amor Bonner, store owner of Amor’s Boutique for 12 years, also located on Wilson and Orange, said that the negatives of construction are not drastic — aside from the dust.

“They have the tarps to keep out the dust, but we have to tell the customers to keep the door closed,” Bonner said. “One time I had a customer who asked ‘Can you breathe?’ because the dust was so bad.”

Armand Garabidian, the shopkeeper for Joseph’s Watch and Clock, said that everyone is affected by the construction.

“For the first few months, there was the physical aspect of construction, which blocked the road completely,” he said.

However, Garabidian is optimistic about the end results of construction.

“Hopefully, when it’s done, it will help us out,” he said.

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Duncan is a freelance writer.