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Montrose-Sparr Heights

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.