Entertainment Complex Project to Begin

Demolition is set to begin Monday for a retail and entertainment center project in downtown Glendale featuring a major electronics store and a multiplex, officials said Tuesday.

The $30-million project, known as Glendale Marketplace, is considered a major step in the city’s efforts to spark the rebirth of downtown Glendale.

It is the city’s largest retail development since the Glendale Galleria opened 20 years ago and includes an unusually high investment of public funds.

The City Council approved the project in June despite concerns about the city’s role in the project. Public funds for the project include an estimated $11 million to build a nine-level, 1,100-space parking garage and up to $4.2 million in land subsidies and other costs.

City officials said the investment will be worthwhile if it results in the transformation of a blighted 1 1/2-block area bordered by Brand Boulevard, Broadway, Maryland Avenue and Harvard Street.

Developers said demolition at the site is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.