With the overhaul of Glendale’s City Hall complex underway, local merchants are adapting to construction.
When Glendale’s $70 million project is finished in late 2025, it will feature a revamped City Hall complex and amphitheater and improvements to Murphy Park.
Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, said dozens of businesses remain open during construction, just as they have been for decades.
“They've been through lots of ups and downs through their many years in downtown Glendale, and no matter what, though, their priority is to have a wonderful shop, a wonderful business, whether it's an ice cream parlor, a long-time family restaurant, or an eclectic gift shop, they're here to stay,” she said.

The association has leaned into the construction by launching a program featuring two mini, remote-controlled construction vehicles named Max and Mollie.
“They go all throughout the downtown. They are featured on social media. They're social media stars and what's really fun about them is they are hidden every month in a shop, and we give hints on our social media through Historic Downtown Glendale about where they're located, and if you find them, you're entered to win $100,” Zomok said. “We want to connect with the construction and let our customers know that despite the dust, we're open.”
On July 15, the group announced a contest for people to create an image they think best represents the century-old downtown.
“It's an opportunity for us to have our customers let us know what they really love about downtown Glendale and some of their favorite places, and really see and showcase these beautiful locations in downtown Glendale,” Zomok said.
The Historic Downtown Glendale sticker contest closes Sept. 30. A panel of judges will review the entries and choose three winners. Their artwork will become stickers available at locally-owned shops.
“For many of us, our number one priority is to keep the authentic, iconic authenticity of our historic downtown,” Zomok said, “Many of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, so it's critically important that we keep that history alive, that we remember, that we connect to our past, but we're also looking forward to the future.”
