The Beet Sugar Factory was built between 1903 and 1906 to produce the sugar beets being grown in the Glendale area around the time.[1] The area's soil was considered prime for agriculture and federal reports stated that sugar beets would be a good crop to grow in the area. The building closed in 1986, and has not re-opened since despite attempts.[2]
Beet Sugar Factory | |
Invalid designation | |
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| Location | 5243 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Arizona |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 33°32′15″N 112°10′16″W / 33.53750°N 112.17111°W |
| Built | 1906-1910 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000548 |
| Added to NRHP | January 30, 1978 |
History
editThe building opened as a beet sugar factory in 1906 started by Glendale, Arizona founder William J. Murphy. The factory ran into a number of issues throughout its run, from needing to change water sources to wash beets, the amount of water necessary to grow sugar beets, low amounts of sugar being produced from the beets, and insect infestations in the beet crops.[2] During World War I the factory was updated to process sugar cane to meet the country's demand for sugar, but the crop needed increased water supply.
It has also been used as a beer-distribution center, storage facility, Squirt soda plant and soy-sauce operation.[3] The doors closed for good in 1986. Plans to restore the factory have been discussed, immediately following its closure, many wanted it to become a civic center[4] like Forward Brands spirits in 2011.[5][3][6]
References
edit- ^ "Glendale is Already Entertaining a Boom". www.newspapers.com. October 15, 1903. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ a b Valley 101. (2021). The Arizona Republic. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2021/04/19/podcast-whats-history-beet-sugar-factory-glendale/7245840002/
- ^ a b Leavitt, Parker. "Readers' picks: Worst West Valley eyesores". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ Somers, Paula (October 20, 1986). "Factory promoted as civic-center site". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ STAFFORD, KATHRYN (2011-08-03). "Sugar beet heart beats again". The Glendale Star. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ "The Phoenix area's most endangered historic buildings". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-12-16.