Montrose is an unincorporated community in the Crescenta Valley served by Glendale’s schools and public service departments. The area’s pleasant setting and ideal climate coupled with the conveniences of nearby freeways and major cities make it an attractive site for young professionals, families and a diverse array of businesses.Old Town Montrose, in the heart of the city, retains its village character with hometown merchants, community festivals and a variety of trendy shops, restaurants and cafes. In addition to the weekly Harvest Market, it is the site of the annual Arts & Crafts Festival in June, the Oktoberfest, and the popular Christmas Parade.Sparr Heights, a small community just below Old Town Montrose, was developed as a residential neighborhood in the 1920s and 1930s. Although it is officially part of the City of Glendale, residents often think of themselves as part of Montrose, because of the proximity to the town. Because of its hometown character and “everyone knows your name” feel, Sparr Heights is often compared to the town of “Mayberry” from the Andy Griffith Show. Homes in Sparr Heights are architecturally diverse and well-manicured. A neighborhood park and school serve as focal points for residents who enjoy walking through Montrose village, either to shop or for a casual evening stroll.Many residents are drawn to the Montrose area for its “Blue Ribbon”, “Gold Ribbon” and “California Distinguished” schools. The children of Montrose and Sparr Heights attend the award winning schools of Fremont Elementary, Rosemont Middle School and Crescenta Valley High.L.A. Parent Magazine featured Montrose in the July 2013 issue. Click here to view the article.
HISTORY
Montrose
The community of Montrose 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 1914, the Glendale and Montrose Railway was constructed, bringing rail service north from Glendale, as far as Pennsylvania Avenue. The car barn was built in Montrose where the Anawalt Lumber Company is now located.
In the 1920s a two-block business district was established along Honolulu Avenue, forerunner of the Montrose Shopping Park which opened in 1967.
Sparr Heights
Sparr Heights was annexed to the City of Glendale on August 24, 1924. It was named after a prominent businessman William S. Sparr, who planted citrus groves in the area and opened the Sparr Fruit Packing Company on Glendale Avenue. Ultimately he became a land developer which led to the area we now call Sparr Heights.
The Sparr Heights Community Center was originally built in the early 1920s by Mr. Sparr as the real estate office for the Sparr Heights residential tract, then named Oakmont Park. It was later donated to the residents of the area, and has been a community hall and senior center since then.
In the 20’s & 30’s Sparr Heights became well known as the end of the line for the Los Angeles to Montrose extension of the Union Pacific Railroad.
RESTAURANTS
Black Cow Café 2219 Honolulu Ave 818-957-5282
Divina Cucina 3730 Verdugo Rd 818-248-3077
Basin 141– 2265 Honolulu Ave 818-236-4810
Fratelli’s Pizza 2064 Verdugo Blvd. 818-957-3060
New Moon 2138 Verdugo Blvd. 818-249-4393
Oceanview Bistro 3826 Ocean View Blvd 818-248-2722
Star Cafe 2217 Honolulu 818-957-7827
Zeke’s Smokehouse 2209 Honolulu Ave., Montrose 818-957-7045
SCHOOLS
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Glendale Unified School District
Crescenta Valley High and Clark Magnet High were both named in the top 12 Public Schools in Los Angeles Magazine. Click here to see the article.
School Finder
Click here to find the schools your child would attend based on address.
http://www.gusd.net/Internal/schools.htm
High Schools
Crescenta Valley High Gold Ribbon School 249-5871 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta 91214
Clark Magnet High – Gold Ribbon School – 248-8324 4747 New York Ave., La Crescenta 91214
Middle Schools
Rosemont Middle – Gold Ribbon School 248-4224 4725 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta 91214
Elementary Schools
La Crescenta 249-3187 4343 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta 91214
John C. Fremont 249-3241 3320 Las Palmas Ave., Glendale 91208
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Armenian Sisters Academy 2361 Florencita Ave. 818-951-5088
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church School
2361 Del Mar Rd.
818-249-5022
Montrose Christian Montessori 2545 Honolulu Avenue 818-249-2319
PRESCHOOLS
Learning Tree Pre-School 2648 Montrose Ave. 818-249-4827
Robbin’s Nest – 2912 Honolulu Avenue – 818-248-7324
Valley Vista 3825 Orangedale 818-249-7336
