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City of Glendale and McKinstry: Building a Better Future for the Community

City of Glendale and McKinstry: Building a Better Future for the Community

The City of Glendale, Arizona, and McKinstry partnered to improve public facilities, enhance the residents’ and staff experience and reduce long-term operating costs. A $10.2 million investment in lighting, mechanical and solar upgrades across nine city buildings is helping the community while supporting more sustainable services.

Putting Community Benefits First

Glendale operates around the clock. Emergency response, recreation and public services cannot pause for maintenance or equipment updates. The city doesn’t take days off. “We don’t ask people to call 911 only Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. They can call any day of the week, any day of the year,” said Kevin Phelps, city manager for the City of Glendale. McKinstry worked closely with the city to minimize disruptions and keep operations running smoothly. The upgrades help maintain comfort, reliability and efficiency while providing long-term value for taxpayers.

“I believe an organization should focus on sustainability and the future so we can hand off our community to the next generation in a much healthier way,” Phelps added.

Facility Improvements

Some of the projects that received upgrades were the Adult Center, Civic Center, Fire Station 151 and the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center (FRAC). Work included LED lighting conversions, chiller and cooling tower replacements and solar arrays that generate clean energy while providing shaded parking.
“The work we do is rewarding. I look forward to each day and love the work we do and the people we work with,” said Cliff Faraci, operations manager at McKinstry.

At FRAC, new chillers and upgraded controls help staff manage temperature and humidity, improving comfort for visitors and staff. A solar carport provides renewable power and shaded parking, enhancing the experience for residents during Arizona’s extreme heat. Lighting upgrades at Fire Station 151 and the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center support safer and more dependable conditions for first responders and community users.

Delivering Savings

The project is expected to save nearly $250,000 annually, allowing Glendale to reinvest in community priorities. Additional benefits include renewable energy from three solar arrays generating 1.72 million kWh annually and more than $1 million in rebates and federal incentives.

Building Toward a Future-Focused Glendale

“McKinstry wanted a successful project as much as we did. They were committed to helping us and had the experience to do so,” said Sonia Sarmiento, Capital Improvement Program administrator for the city of Glendale. “All of that combined with good communication helped us get to where we wanted to be with these projects.”

These upgrades demonstrate Glendale’s commitment to responsible financial leadership and long-term planning. By investing in efficient infrastructure, the city is creating healthier, more efficient and resilient public spaces that serve residents today and for generations to come.