Westgate has been a large part of Glendale’s effort to build a sports, entertainment and employment hub in the West Valley.

Notices of trustee sale have been filed against the two Ellman Cos. entities that own the land and the retail and restaurant complex that comprise Westgate.

“As a result of the national recession and ongoing questions about the future of the Phoenix Coyotes, it is unfortunate but understandable that notices of trustee sale have been filed against the two entities (Entertainment Center Development LLC and Coyote Center Development LLC) that separately own the entertainment center and vacant land comprising much of Westgate City Center,” the Ellman Cos. said via publicist Jason Rose.

A notice of trustee sale means the property and land could be foreclosed on if the Westgate entities and lenders can’t work out new financing terms. If that occurs, a new investor could purchase Westgate or the retail complex could revert to its lenders.

Westgate has been a large part of Glendale’s effort to build a sports, entertainment and employment hub in the West Valley. The city said restaurants, bars and stores at Westgate will stay open through the proceedings.

“Westgate City Center has always been a strong destination point for Glendale,” the city of Glendale said in a statement forwarded by spokeswoman Jen Stein. “In spite of the news today, residents and tourists will still enjoy the amenities, restaurants and shops that Westgate offers.