History
Between 1920 and 1924, Glendale's population more than doubled from about 14,000 to 42,000 residents. During this period, a group of developers, led by realtor Charles W. Ingledue, called the "East Glendale Advancement Association" embarked on constructing a new hotel in what they dubbed the "fastest-growing city in California". To fund the project, they initially attempted to establish the "Glendale Hotel Company" and raise money by selling stock, but after four failed fundraising attempts, financial constraints forced them to scale back the original 1923 plans, ultimately resulting in a six-story building that would hold both short-term and long-term residencies. [3] [4]
Architects Arthur G. Lindley and Charles R. Selkirk were chosen to design the hotel, which despite its scaled back plans, was the largest building in Glendale and only the second building in Glendale to surpass four stories. Concurrently, Lindley and Selkirk designed another Glendale landmark, the Alexander Theatre. The hotel was built between late 1924 and mid-1925, with the main entrance located at the angled corner. [3] The grand opening was held in July 1925 with two-day reception. The city closed Glendale Avenue for a street dance, Spanish-themed costume ball, dinner, and live orchestra. [3]
Despite an encouraging first year with 5,000 guests staying at the hotel, the hotel was soon deemed a commercial failure and transitioned exclusively to long-term rental apartments. [5] [4]
In 1977, the hotel was listed to the Glendale Register of Historic Resources. [6] On October 7, 1994, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [2]
The building is currently called the Glendale Flats, and continues to only offer long-term rental apartments. [7]
During the second half of the twentieth century, the former Hotel Glendale reflected broader economic and social changes in downtown Glendale. After ceasing hotel operations and transitioning fully to long term residential use, the building became part of a wider pattern in which many 1920s-era hotels in Southern California were adapted to meet changing housing needs.
In later decades, the building came to be recognized as a representative example of early twentieth century urban development in Glendale. Its preservation and continued residential use contributed to local historic preservation efforts, allowing the structure to retain its architectural character while remaining integrated into the city’s evolving urban fabric. [8] [9]
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