The community of Montrose-Verdugo City, located in the Foothills nestled between the San Gabriel and Verdugo Mountains just north of Glendale, dates back to the early 19th century. The subdivision of present day Montrose took place when developers Holmes and Watson held a contest to name the new 300-acre tract, offering one of the lots as a prize.
On the opening day of the sale February 22, 1913, the new community was named Montrose by former Pennsylvanians as a reminder of their home state's Montrose. The name was also popular with rose growers and literary people who were reminded of the novel "Legend of Montrose" by Sir Walter Scott.
Montrose Avenue was intended to be the main business district street, but business developed along Honolulu Avenue, which was named by a resident raised in Hawaii and homesick for his birthplace.
In the 1920s a two-block business district was established along Honolulu Avenue, forerunner of the Montrose Shopping Park which opened in 1967. This beautiful Foothill community has the Indian Springs Shopping Center, a small town atmosphere that infuses a wide variety of services offered to residents, and one of the finest school systems in America, and it is also the site of the annual Arts & Crafts Festival in June, the Oktoberfest, and the Glendale-Montrose-Verdugo City Christmas Parade.
Today Montrose-Verdugo City maintain their identities and are still communities of Glendale governed by that city. All the services ranging from business permits to public utilities fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Glendale.
Sparr Heights is the residential community immediately adjacent to Montrose Shopping PArk. Often referred to as Montrose Village, this charming enclave features character-rich bungalows, traditionals and Spanish style homes.
Residents treasure the small town feel that comes with living here. People can walk to shops, restaurants and banking and there is always a friendly conversation waiting for you on the next lawn. This is one of the rare spots where most neighbors actually know your name.
Halloween is an important local tradition with hundreds of visitors from surrounding communities converging for easy trick or treating in a safe environment and to admire the no holds barred Halloween decor.
Sparr Heights also boasts a Senior Center where seniors can get a healthy meal, social opportunities and life long learning classes. There is also a community room that can be rented.
