Steve Ellman out as Glendale Westgate City Center manager

Steve Ellman, the developer who brought the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team to a new Glendale arena eight years ago and then built the glittering Westgate City Center around it, has lost one of his last tenuous links to the entertainment and shopping district. Lender iStar Financial seized the bulk of Westgate from the Ellman Cos. in September and last week moved in Phoenix-based Vestar Development Co. as the center's new property manager. Vestar developed Tempe Marketplace, Desert Ridge Marketplace and other retail spots in Arizona and other states. IStar plans to hold the property and infuse the center's retail and office space with cash and splash, according to asset manager Jeff Teetsel. Ellman had said he hoped to stay on as property manager several months back when it was announced that Westgate faced foreclosure. He still owns billboards that were part of Westgate's distinctive design as well as some office space. Tim Wright, vice president of the Ellman Cos., declined comment. Teetsel, principal of Phoenix-based Teetsel Properties, said that Vestar has been charged with "re-energizing" Westgate. "Vestar has the most experience with bringing different kinds of events that draw shoppers and we expect them to bring that to Westgate," he said. Shoppers and visitors will be able to see some of the new events as the holiday season gets underway.

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