The newest entertainment district of the Phoenix area, Downtown Glendale could be the site to have trendy new amenities like microbreweries and wine bars by the end of this year.

The AZCentral reported, according to the city officials, a new district would allow more flexibility to attract unique businesses and transform the downtown area, which lost key tenants during the economic downturn.

The state law prohibits certain businesses which sell mostly alcohol, like liquor stores, bars and distilleries, from locating within 300 feet of a church or school.

Jean Moreno, the city's executive officer of strategic initiatives and special projects, said that, in the past several years, the entrepreneurs interested in opening specialty bars and breweries were turned away because there are at least 26 churches and schools currently located in historic Glendale.

The proposed district is expected to be presented to the Glendale City Council at a workshop in October, with a council vote expected shortly after, Moreno said.

According to Glendale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert Heidt Jr, the city's downtown is in the middle of an evolution. An entertainment district could ensure the area's future includes an eclectic mix of "cool, hip, vibrant" businesses, he added.

Heidt said that, "It will really help us transform our downtown the way we see fit."  "We, much like every other city, need to have every resource available to be competitive, to attract new businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs,"Heidt said.

"I think Glendale, our downtown, lends itself nicely to creating a greater character and charm to lead us into the future," he said. "We've got all the right attributes. Now it's just time to capitalize on what the new downtown looks like in everyday America."

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