[LAMetroGuy]

edit

[colemonkee]

It's a quick read, too ;)

[LAMetroGuy]

I found these new renderings of the Molasky Pacific Residential project

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Resdental_aerial_042706.jpg

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_01_042706.jpg

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_02_042706.jpg

[colemonkee]

Once again the rendering god drops some knowledge on his minions. LAMG, what are the chances of this one actually being built?

[LAMetroGuy]

I think its pretty good considering a recent survey of local residents who are not opposed to high density housing in downtown Long Beach. The developers have been interested in downtown LB for a while and they are pretty set on this one. The city council members are also in favor of this one, i've seen google earth renderings done by the city which already includes these towers... so makes me think that they already consider them as a sure thing. The ERD is sopposed to be available for public comment shortly.

[Mikefly562]

Hi LAMetroGuy,

The drawings that you have provided to this forum are great! I really like the looks of the Molasky Pacific Residential project. I really hope that these projects get implemented and built. I have heard from so many people that downtown Long Beach has the potential of being the next 'San Deigo' or even 'Marina Del Ray' with all of the upscale highrises and commecial facilities going in. I'm really looking forward to when the Promenade projects are completed. The DTLB open house on May 20th should be very interesting, with updates on all of the new projects.

I think one of the biggest improvements that DTLB needs to do is to improve the traffic signal system along Pine Street and along Ocean Blvd with Protected (Left turn) Green lights so that traffic does not get too backed up.

I moved into Aqua on April 20th after a looooong delay. I still remember when they broke ground on Aqua (Ocean Villas) back in 2002 and thought to myself 'It would be great to live here when finished'. I actually signed up on the interest list late October 2003 right after they changed the name...it's been a long wait, but now it was worth it. Oh, the parking lot has definatly honed in my tight space parking skills - reminds me of European and Asian parking lots. I think that Victory park also turned out well too. Back in 2001 when Ocean Villas was still in development, there was some opposition and concern regarding Victory Park, but in the end it turned out very nice.

DTLB is looking great!

-Mike-

[LAMetroGuy]

Once again the rendering god drops some knowledge on his minions. :haha:

Too funny!!!

[LAMetroGuy]

Once again the rendering god drops some knowledge on his minions. LAMG, what are the chances of this one actually being built?

Also, almost forgot, they also have a website and their sales office is opening up soon!

www.broadwayandmaine.com

Plus it has a bigger rendering

http://www.broadwayandmaine.com/images/splash.jpg

[RBR]

^ sweet rendering

I was in long beach sunday, here is a shot of west ocean on the skyline.

http://ee.1asphost.com/RacersEdge/SS/CIMG0770.JPG

[Buckeye Native 001]

Damn, I need to get back up to Long Beach. I've been craving good jyros ;)

[innov8]

L.B. condo open house a test of imagination
Real Estate: Built, planned projects mingle in time of uncertain market.
By Don Jergler, Staff writer

New construction of a residential open house scheduled for May 20 on the Long Beach downtown Promenade. (Leo Hetzel / Press-Telegram)

LONG BEACH — A residential open house for downtown on May 20 is expected to draw about 2,000 people to tour the area's newest developments an interesting feat considering only one project is complete and the event comes amid rising uncertainty about the housing market.
Pulling off the tour will be a virtual stunt. One of the developments is visionary and calls for construction of 1,300 units in towers 55 and 45 stories tall. Another project is a rising mass of iron and concrete. Only Aqua towers on Ocean Boulevard is complete, and Temple Lofts on Locust Avenue is expected to open by the end of May.

Developers will set up tents on The Promenade so people can view computer-generated models and artist renderings of the uncompleted projects, which also include a development on The Promenade. Visitors will have the chance to walk

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9879/20060509111123lbcondo15yz.gif (http://imageshack.us)
New construction on the Long Beach Promenade, just south of Broadway. (Leo Hetzel / Press-Telegram)

through and purchase units in Aqua and the nearly complete Temple Lofts.

Participants can also add their names to interest lists that developers are amassing.

Are these developers just bullish on downtown Long Beach real estate, or are they trying to make sales before a possible falloff in the residential market?

Depending on whom you ask, the answer to both questions may be "Yes."

Oracle of Omaha Warren Buffett said on Monday that he expects "significant downward adjustments" in the housing market, and he hinted at a condo glut in certain high-priced areas from speculative buying, in which investors have turned their cash flows toward a super-hot residential market.

Some real estate agents agree the number of condos being built downtown may be hampering sales of existing units, but the sponsors of the open house say the area is well-positioned to continue its residential boom.

"Whether you are talking about downtown Long Beach or Southern California, I think there is a housing shortage," said Kraig Kojian, president and CEO of the Downtown Long Beach Associates, which is hosting the event. "This downtown is a strong market and is drawing interest from major developers."

Kojian acknowledged developers may have the ulterior motive of trying to beat a residential sales downturn that is now making itself apparent and to stay ahead of rising construction costs, but he and participating developers say there is room for more condos.

"I don't think (developers are) trying to capture the market while the market is good," said Scott Hamilton, with tour co-sponsor DOMA Real Estate. "The belief is there is a housing demand."

Hamilton will be giving a tour of the remaining

50 units, plus 15 penthouses, in the 556-unit Aqua development. Although it is nearly sold out, Aqua's sales staff continues to give tours to about 300 people each week, he said.

Still, some real estate agents are concerned about the number of condos coming onto downtown's market in the next few years.

The DLBA open house is showcasing 2,300 units, and another 3,000 or more units in downtown are expected to come on the market in that time period.

An anticipated glut may be combining with a slowdown in the residential market to quash interest in existing condos, said Richard Daskam, with Keller Williams Realty.

"We are seeing a lot of resale condos on the market right now," said Daskam, adding that listings are beginning to sit for longer periods with "a lot of dropped prices."

There are 275 condos listed for sale in the downtown area more than half of the 557 condos listed throughout the city. That's roughly twice as many as last year at this time, Daskam said.

Sellers of million-dollar-plus condos are experiencing particularly sluggish sales, Daskam said.

For example, a top-floor unit in Harbor Place Tower on Seaside Way in downtown has been on the market for more than 230 days with a listing price of $1.9 million, down from its $2.3 million original listing.

In fact, there are more than 20 condos listed in downtown for between $1 million and $2 million, and half of those have been on the market 90 days or more, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

Still, some experts believe speculative buying or an oversupply are simply not realties in Southern California, where supply continues to lag behind demand.

"The condo market is in general a market that responds to people who need to put a roof over their head," said John Karevoll, with DataQuick Information Systems. "I'm sure there are some people out there that are speculating, but you have that in any market."

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_3803224

[johnnypd]

anyone have in depth details about the planned redevelopment on long beach boulevard? the area surrounding acres of books, if you know that store.

[johnnypd]

k found some info on page 15. can't believe they are considering demolition of the world famous acres of books store. one of LB's best assets, would portland consider demolishing powell's?

[LAMetroGuy]

I agree to a certain point. If a developer can save Acres - great, but I don't think it should prevent from something being developed on that entire site. I think that the Los Angeles Ambassador Hotel was much more iconic to the history of LA and it was demolished.... I don't believe that this bookstore is as significant to LB.

[LAMetroGuy]

The second Promenade project by Lennar has established a website. The project is called Pacifica!

http://www.pacificalb.com/images/pacifica.jpg (http://www.pacificalb.com/)

[LAMetroGuy]

Many See Bustling Residential
Downtown As Affordable



By Kurt Helin
Editor

Talk of a real estate market slowdown — or even a housing market bubble burst — has drawn local and national media attention.

But it hasn’t slowed developers coming to downtown Long Beach — nor has it seemed to slow demand.

About 2,000 people are expected for the second annual Downtown Residential Open House, taking place this Saturday. That’s about the same number of people who came to the inaugural event last year, said Darcy Driscoll, marketing manager for the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA).

“Most are from Los Angeles County,” Driscoll said of the people signing up. “A lot are from the beach communities up there, like Santa Monica.”

Currently there are almost 5,500 new residential units in various stages of construction or planning in the downtown area.

There have been questions by some real estate observers if there is enough demand to meet that supply.

As an example they cite the Pacific — the Ocean Boulevard condominium building just east of Alamitos Avenue, completed right as the last housing market bubble started to burst in the early 1990s. The building sat vacant for years and was eventually sold at a loss to a new developer, who finished the work and sold the units.

But right now Long Beach’s growing downtown is seen by many looking to buy as an affordable alternative to other parts of Southern California, and that is part of what is drawing people to the event this Saturday, Driscoll said. Attendees will get to look at models in three buildings — the Aqua, Temple Lofts and West Ocean — and look at designs for other buildings proposed or under construction.

One project ready for people to move in is Aqua, the twin high rise at 388 and 488 Ocean Blvd., which has sold all but 50 of its units, as well as some penthouse units, officials said.

Farther north is the Temple Loft, built in the reconstruction Long Beach Masonic Temple at 835 Locust Ave. This condo complex has 82 units, ranging in size from 791 square feet all the way up to 3,000. Prices start in the $300,000s.

There will be representatives of complexes currently under construction, such as 133 Promenade Walk and the West Ocean developments. Representatives from Olsen, the company building 133 Promenade Walk, will have computer representations of units and will show them on the Promenade, in the shadow of their under-construction building, Driscoll said.

Then there’s the Broadway and Maine project, part of the proposed West Gateway development, where construction has yet to start.

Pacific Properties plans a “vertical village” with its 50-story tower and 1,329 proposed units. The village also would have a swimming pool, exercise room, meditation garden and more.

To find out more about the tours, which run all day Saturday, or to preregister (complete with pre-paid parking and shuttle), call 485-3138, or log on to www.downtownlbliving.com.

[ChrisLA]

I might sign up for the tour, I'm still checking my schedule.

I must say I'm a little worried about the area being overbuilt. Things have slow down, and there are a lot of condo's planned for the area. I live in the West Gateway, and right now they are leveling a lot land for a huge development. People in my building are banking on our property value going way up, but somehow I don't see that. With all of the new units going up in the West Gateway and eveywhere else around downtown, I wonder how well our units will do on a market thats could be saturated. I figure in the long run it will be good overall for the area. Yet I worry for someone who might need to sell an older unit in the area how long would it take to sell with todays market. Would it actually affect the value in a negative way? I'm kind of in that situation, and I might have to sell since I really cannot afford to pay a house note that has more than doubled due to a huge accessment I have to pay. Last year my condo equity was more than twice what I owed. Today with the added accessment I have very little, and I would be in a position of not having enough to put down on another place.. The number of units being added right now makes me even more nervous if I decide this is too much and I can't handled the steep payments anymore.

Anyway just a thought on how I see it for me, and perhaps others in the area.

[ChrisLA]

BTW LAMetroGuy

I visit your building this saturday, and looked at the models. I was a little shock at how small the swiming pool was. My building has one on the roof and its small, but the one at the Aqua was even smaller on the ground floor. At first I was thinking it was a nice size jacuzzi, and then I realize it was the pool. Its not really a big deal since I really don't swim all that much anymore. It was probably my biggest complaint other than the sink in the kitchen was too shallow. They are similar to what I have in my unit now. I know these are minor things, and I realize most people who move to a high rise are single and these aren't major issues.

Overall I thought the building was nice, and in a great location. I guess I'm at a point in my life where I was more impressed with the townhomes I also visited over on PCH near the Traffic Circle (Cienega). They were more expensive, so I can only dream about them. Anyway I would still probably choose downtown and beach front living over that area (Traffic Circle) of the city.

[LAMetroGuy]

I might sign up for the tour, I'm still checking my schedule.

I must say I'm a little worried about the area being overbuilt. Things have slow down, and there are a lot of condo's planned for the area. I live in the West Gateway, and right now they are leveling a lot land for a huge development. People in my building are banking on our property value going way up, but somehow I don't see that. With all of the new units going up in the West Gateway and eveywhere else around downtown, I wonder how well our units will do on a market thats could be saturated. I figure in the long run it will be good overall for the area. Yet I worry for someone who might need to sell an older unit in the area how long would it take to sell with todays market. Would it actually affect the value in a negative way? I'm kind of in that situation, and I might have to sell since I really cannot afford to pay a house note that has more than doubled due to a huge accessment I have to pay. Last year my condo equity was more than twice what I owed. Today with the added accessment I have very little, and I would be in a position of not having enough to put down on another place.. The number of units being added right now makes me even more nervous if I decide this is too much and I can't handled the steep payments anymore.

Anyway just a thought on how I see it for me, and perhaps others in the area.


Chris, I woudn't worry at all. First rule of Real Estate... Location Location Location! So if the area around you is being built up with nice condos and retail... people will want to be near by. This will only raise your property value, not the other way around.

[LAMetroGuy]

BTW LAMetroGuy

I visit your building this saturday, and looked at the models. I was a little shock at how small the swiming pool was. My building has one on the roof and its small, but the one at the Aqua was even smaller on the ground floor. At first I was thinking it was a nice size jacuzzi, and then I realize it was the pool. Its not really a big deal since I really don't swim all that much anymore. It was probably my biggest complaint other than the sink in the kitchen was too shallow. They are similar to what I have in my unit now. I know these are minor things, and I realize most people who move to a high rise are single and these aren't major issues.

Overall I thought the building was nice, and in a great location. I guess I'm at a point in my life where I was more impressed with the townhomes I also visited over on PCH near the Traffic Circle (Cienega). They were more expensive, so I can only dream about them. Anyway I would still probably choose downtown and beach front living over that area (Traffic Circle) of the city.

Yeah, small pool... but it dosn't really matter to me since I'm not much of a pool person. Yeah the sink is shallow but it does the job... besides I don't do dishes... the dishwasher does! Ha! I love living near the ocean... when I wake up the first thing I look at is the Queen Mary and the ocean... pretty nice!

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

I might sign up for the tour, I'm still checking my schedule.

I must say I'm a little worried about the area being overbuilt. Things have slow down, and there are a lot of condo's planned for the area. I live in the West Gateway, and right now they are leveling a lot land for a huge development. People in my building are banking on our property value going way up, but somehow I don't see that. With all of the new units going up in the West Gateway and eveywhere else around downtown, I wonder how well our units will do on a market thats could be saturated. I figure in the long run it will be good overall for the area. Yet I worry for someone who might need to sell an older unit in the area how long would it take to sell with todays market. Would it actually affect the value in a negative way? I'm kind of in that situation, and I might have to sell since I really cannot afford to pay a house note that has more than doubled due to a huge accessment I have to pay. Last year my condo equity was more than twice what I owed. Today with the added accessment I have very little, and I would be in a position of not having enough to put down on another place.. The number of units being added right now makes me even more nervous if I decide this is too much and I can't handled the steep payments anymore.

Anyway just a thought on how I see it for me, and perhaps others in the area.
I've already seem the temple lofts and Aqua... so I decided to go check out the Cityplace lofts by Albertson's instead of taking the tour. I was really impressed. I wasn't expecting to see much quality but the units that I saw were very impressive. I never saw the inside of the rentals that are located in Cityplace but I doubt they were up to the standards of the Cityplace Condos off 4th. Anyway, before I starting sounding like a salesperson...

The 133 Promenade Showroom (in the walker building) was pretty cool. Not only was it busy with interest but the kitchen upgrades and model rooms were informative. I think it's smart to offer a Viking/Ceasarstone Upgrade as well as a nice basic package. My loft was all high end... no choices.

I think it was a little premature to show the Maine and Broadway stuff... I would have pushed harder to get Cityplace Lofts and Lennar (promenade) on the tour.

[ChrisLA]

I've already seem the temple lofts and Aqua... so I decided to go check out the Cityplace lofts by Albertson's instead of taking the tour. I was really impressed. I wasn't expecting to see much quality but the units that I saw were very impressive. I never saw the inside of the rentals that are located in Cityplace but I doubt they were up to the standards of the Cityplace Condos off 4th. Anyway, before I starting sounding like a salesperson...

The 133 Promenade Showroom (in the walker building) was pretty cool. Not only was it busy with interest but the kitchen upgrades and model rooms were informative. I think it's smart to offer a Viking/Ceasarstone Upgrade as well as a nice basic package. My loft was all high end... no choices.

I think it was a little premature to show the Maine and Broadway stuff... I would have pushed harder to get Cityplace Lofts and Lennar (promenade) on the tour.

I didn't get a chance to take the tour :(
So is CityPlace Lofts open daily to view the models, or was this open just for the Lofts tour this past weekend? I drove past them this evening coming from Albertsons, and I see along 4th Street they have removed the fence. Like you I was impressed at the finish product, they look nice from the front. What are the starting price on these? I would also like to see the Temple Lofts, they look like their coming along quite well.

[citywatch]

^ Now I'm even more curious about the latest. We're really in need of new photo updates of the hood right now.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

The Cityplace lofts start around 400K for a 1100 sf unit and go up to around 650-700K for a 1600 sf unit.

The open house is on Saturdays. This Sat they claim a 3000+ sf unit will be ready to show. They have a nice handout that includes pricing (but I gave it away to a good friend).

The 2 story 1600 sf units were impressive enough... i am waiting to see what 3000 sf looks like!

The temple lofts are really nice. I thought the tower units would be lame but they are looking quite nice. The main building units might have sunlight issues with the two towers but otherwise looking very cool (but pricey). I'll take a tour this weekend and will try to take some shots.

[ChrisLA]

^
Thanks, I might have to convince a friend of mine to check ou the CityPlace Lofts. She currently rent in downtown LA a condo but the owner is putting it on the market. She would like to purchase it, but somehow I don't think she realize how expensive it will be. We already looked at some on the market in her building, and we seen one asking price of $580,000 for a one bedroom. $400,000 maybe more her price range. I'm trying to convince her Long Beach is a better bargain, and its best to buy now in the area.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

found another price sheet for Cityplace:

sq ft ======= price
1788 639K
1092 459K
1445 569K
1414 649K
1900 699K
2085 789K
2527 945K
3592 1.3M

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

Temple lofts about 2 weeks ago... the sales office has moved out of the walker building and into the temple building. So you can visit anytime now.

http://mysite.verizon.net/resriq8q/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_1693.jpg

http://mysite.verizon.net/resriq8q/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_1692.jpg

[LAMetroGuy]

Wow, I'm surprised to see this much activity on the LB thread... finally! I have to check out the CityPlace lofts... you have peaked my curiosity!

I am excited for the PRomenade to finish... InsExchLoft_dweller... how is the Pacifica lot coming along? Have they broken ground???

[LAMetroGuy]

Broadway & Main updated their website, they have a COOL new feature "FLY THROUGH" WOW!!!!!!!!

http://broadwayandmaine.com/

[colemonkee]

That's pretty fucking sweet. They need to change the music though. Almost put me to sleep...

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

133 Olson today...

http://mysite.verizon.net/resriq8q/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_1698.jpg

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

ground broke on Lennar today...

http://mysite.verizon.net/resriq8q/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_1697.jpg

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

West Ocean is finally visible... but it's taking a damn long time.

http://mysite.verizon.net/resriq8q/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_1699.jpg

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Nice Update!! GO LBC.

[LAMetroGuy]

InsExchLoft_dweller , thanks for posting the two photos on Olson's 133 Promenade Walk project... looks like they are comming along nicely. Here is a rendering of what Olson's will look like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Long%20Beach%20Promenade/promenadeolsoncompany.jpg

Also, I'm so glad that Lennar's Pacifica project finally broke ground. Hope it moves along faster than Olson's and they catch up quickly!!! Here is what Pacifica will look like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Long%20Beach%20Promenade/promenadelennarhomes.jpg

The only other residential project for the Promenade (minus the hotel) is Lyon's Promenade Lofts. Here is an updated rendering of this project:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Long%20Beach%20Promenade/LyonPromenade.jpg

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

excellent! keep it up guys.

[Mikefly562]

I can't believe how nice LB is becomming. Just think of the city we will have in 3-4 years from now. I'm so glad to be down there now. I travel alot around CA and the US, and a lot of people out of the area seem to know about how Long Beach has improved so much, and that it's reputation has improved so much. It's really becomming a great city very quickly.

[citywatch]

When I think of what hoods like DTLB, Hollywood or DTLA, or, less recently, DT Pasadena or SaMO, or, farther away, DT San diego have been like during most of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, & even through the early to mid 90s, the past several decades should be known as the Dark Ages.

Time for a major renaissance in some of SoCA's most important hoods hasn't arrived a second too soon.

[LA rehab]

Getting people and activity on that Promenade 24/7 will be good. Now they'll need a few 24 hr coffee shops with chess boards on the tables and I'll call it paradise.

[johnnypd]

was up the long beach world trade centre on sunday. amazing views, i'll try and get up there again and take some pics. i noticed the land immediately north of the center is condemned, what's going there?

[LAMetroGuy]

was up the long beach world trade centre on sunday. amazing views, i'll try and get up there again and take some pics. i noticed the land immediately north of the center is condemned, what's going there?


They are going to build this in the parking lot directly to the North of the World Trade Center, but construction won't start until at least a year away:

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Resdental_aerial_042706.jpg http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_01_042706.jpg http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_02_042706.jpg

[ChrisLA]

Most of those empty lots have been cleared in recent weeks. No only will the project LAMetroGuy mention will be built, but that whole area is under a redevelopment zone. It stretches from Broadway north to 4th Street, and from Golden Avenue and east down to either Cedar or Chestnut. There a plans to start very soon in building several high end artist lofts and condos. Some have plans for retail such as sidewalk cafes (coffeehouse, etc) and I believe they will be lined up along Magnolia Ave and Broadway Ave.

Actually I went out rollerblading late afternoon yesterday and I have some photos of the area to post. I'll put them up later on today.

[kevininlb]

They are going to build this in the parking lot directly to the North of the World Trade Center, but construction won't start until at least a year away:

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Resdental_aerial_042706.jpg http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_01_042706.jpg http://www.jerde.com/media/images/press/Pacific_Residental_elevation_02_042706.jpg

Wow, what in the world is that? How tall? Sorry if info is posted elsewhere...I had no idea there was a LB thread until, well, 2 minutes ago. Psyched. :banana:

[ChrisLA]

Here are the photos I took of the progress of the urban renewal project in the West Gateway. Construction has started on one complex, but most of the work now is tearing down or moving buildings. There will be several developers and I can't wait to see the results. This is one area I'm glad thats being demolished and rebuilt with a high end condos. The fact that its been a eye sore for a long time, and it will be a big boast for the area.

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/7254/dsc001410ij.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/5267/dsc001436pi.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/9232/dsc001447fi.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8951/dsc00145edited2mn.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/4171/dsc001464oa.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/2091/dsc001472bm.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/6601/dsc001493ud.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/4754/dsc001511mi.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/3784/dsc001520iq.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/333/dsc001530fr.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/4804/dsc001571ws.jpg

[ChrisLA]

Progress of CityLofts at the CityPlace Mixed Use complex. I stoped by and looked at several of the units. IMO they have the best design of all of the new new units I've seen in the area.

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/7091/lbcctylft1edited1vg.jpg

[citywatch]

^ Thanks for the photos, chrisla. Nothing better than seeing the hood being cleaned up. I know in past yrs I'd drive in from the 710 & see all the crud sitting in the shadow of bldgs like the WTC & think, oops, this isn't too encouraging. However, all those old structures wouldn't seem quite so much like they were part of a depressing shanty town if (attn: LAB) the power lines at least weren't visible.

[johnnypd]

chrisla, those photos are the exact spot i was referring to, thanks! i took a look round those derelict buildings on sunday, totally surreal - that one house on stilts looks like it is out of another era. the liquor building at an angle to the street is pretty odd too. the block has the feel of an appalachian shanty town. can't wait for the new condos to rise, hopefully though this area won't feel as dead and sterile as the area on the other side of the world trade center (with all the new condo towers).

[johnnypd]

chrisla, those photos are the exact spot i was referring to, thanks! i took a look round those derelict buildings on sunday, totally surreal - that one house on stilts looks like it is out of another era. the liquor building at an angle to the street is pretty odd too. the block has the feel of an appalachian shanty town. can't wait for the new condos to rise, hopefully though this area won't feel as dead and sterile as the area on the other side of the world trade center (with all the new condo towers).

[ChrisLA]

^
Yeah lets hope its a lively area, but with the planned street level retail and cafes it should bring in some activity. The area around the World Trade Center is usually dead on weekends, and especially Sundays. One reason is this is mostly a Monday thur Friday business district. During the week its quite active with office workers, but thats it.

I have been in the WTC a number of times and the views are pretty good. One of my nephews work for a broker in the building up til a few weeks ago. He had access to an empty office near the top of the building. A few times we went up there at night to check out the views. To bad I didn't have my camera as I didn't plan to be visiting this emtpy office.

Anyway Pine Avenue is where its active, especially at night. For a more boheimian feel, you just need to head a few more blocks east in the East Village. There are a lot of artist in this area, and they are opening all kinds of funky cafes and retail shops in the East Village. Also a couple of miles east on 4th Street is another cool area of all kinds of quirky shops, and a cool and popular coffeehouse (Portfolio) that the locals tend to hang out at.

[regboi21]

does anyone knows when construction is going to start on the east village arts district gateway project example the bank of america and city hall buildings and arcres of books site on long beach blvd.:) :)

[ChrisLA]

does anyone knows when construction is going to start on the east village arts district gateway project example the bank of america and city hall buildings and arcres of books site on long beach blvd.:) :)

LAMetroGuy would be the one one who may know. I'm sure he'll give you the most recent information when he reads this.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

Found this article today... I am going to attend so maybe I'll have an answer later this week.

http://www.gazettes.com/artexchange06192006.html

Art Exchange Development
Topic Of Discussion Thursday

By Carla M. Collado
Staff Writer

Long Beach residents will get a chance to speak up this Thursday about the Art Exchange project proposed for downtown at a community meeting.

Part of a downtown development project that started six years ago, the Art Exchange would be located on the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Broadway, bounded by Third Street and Elm Avenue. In April, the city and the Redevelopment Agency selected two firms to compete for work on the real estate. Williams & Dame and Toll Brothers both submitted proposals that include residential, retail and an art center component for the block.

“This meeting is the next step,” said Sheri Rossillo, the city’s development project manager, “to obtain community input and give the developers feedback.”

Residents who attend the meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the First Cong-regational Church on Cedar Avenue will get to hear an overview and history of the Art Exchange project. Woody Tescher, director of urban planning and design for EIP Associates, will facilitate discussion at the meeting.

“With the housing market, the way it’s risen so much,” Rossillo said, “we want to take the opportunity to talk about the development of the block, and if it’s built, how it would sustain itself.”

A feasibility study sponsored by the RDA in 2003 called for a 40,000-square-foot Art Ex-change facility that would cost about $10 million.

It would be a community of between 46 to 68 leased artist studios.

Rossillo said most residents are concerned with the size of the project and wonder what other uses the building would have aside from being residential.

“There are different components we need to look at, and prioritize,” Rossillo said.

The facility could house a studio community of 75-100 professional artists, who, in addition to living there, would be able to attend classes, workshops and lectures in the building, according to Phil Appleby, Realtor and board member of the Downtown Long Beach Associates.

The Art Exchange also would offer monthly gallery exhibitions, educational programs for adults and children and serve as a venue for other performances and special events.

“It will be a cultural engine as well as an economic engine,” Appleby said. “And if the property can be owned by the nonprofit (EVAD), it can be a source of perpetual cash flow for the city’s art community and public art.”

Regardless of how the Art Exchange turns out, Appleby said he hopes the project creates as little debt for the city as possible.

“Great cities have public art and great art programs,” he said. “This city doesn’t seem to grasp the importance of that.”

The Art Exchange block is one of three downtown blocks scheduled for development. The other two are the City Hall East block at First Street and the Bank of America building at Broadway, and the MTA block bounded by First Street and Broadway, west of Long Beach Boulevard.

Grand Prix Place LLC and Lee Group/Kensington, the firms chosen to compete for City Hall East, both proposed adaptive reuse for the existing office building, including a Grand Prix museum in one case.

For the MTA block, Urban Growth Long Beach/The Related Companies and Toll Brothers proposed high-rise developments and parking for the MTA station

[LAMetroGuy]

LAMetroGuy would be the one one who may know. I'm sure he'll give you the most recent information when he reads this.

Not for a while, they are still trying to decide on the finalist. They have narrowed it down to two finalists for each of the 3 parcels. THey will announce the winning developer for each parcel by the end of the 3rd Quarter this year.

[LAMetroGuy]

A new rendering of the Edgewater (at dusk/night):

http://www.gruenassociates.com/images_news/images_cp/edgewater.jpg

Designed to invoke the inventive architectural style known as “Miami Modern”, this ocean-view condominium tower consists of 24 floors with 155 residential units and 24,000 square-feet of retail space. Located on prestigious Ocean Avenue in downtown Long Beach, the project has a clear geometric form capped with a signature curving roof profile which reflects its name.

[LAMetroGuy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/futureLB.jpg


Edgewater on Ocean (22 Stories, 155 condominiums)
Camden Condominiums (21 Stories, 216 condominiums)
Sierra Suites Inn at the Pike (7 stories, 140 suites)
West Ocean LB (Tower 1 – 29 stories with 132 condos & Tower 2 - 20 stories with 114 condos)
Unknown
Broadway & Maine Tower 1 (55 stories, 700 condominiums)
Broadway & Maine Tower 2 (45 stories, 600 condominiums)
Shoreline Gateway (3 Towers – 24, 21, 12 stories totaling 310 condominiums)
Press Telegram Lofts (Two 22 story high-rise towers, 542 residential units)
Gateway on 4th (82 condominiums)
Promenade Walk - The Olson Company (97 condominiums)
Pacifica – Lennar (62 condominiums)
Embassy Suites Hotel (6 stories, 155 suites)
Promenade Lofts - Lyon Realty Advisors (104 units)
West Gateway – Lyon (265 apartments)
West Gateway – Lennar (185 condominiums)
West Gateway – Olson (192 condominiums)
Unknown?
Unknown?
Unknown?
Unknown?
Unknown?
Unknown?
West Gateway – Jamboree (64 units)
MTA Site (TBD High Rise Towers)
City Hall East Site (Adaptive Reuse of Edison Building)
Art Exchange (TBD Mid Rise Residential/Hotel/Artists Workshops)

[solongfullerton]

very cool rendering, looks like all the parking lots are slowly beaten eaten up by mid/high rise development.

[ChrisLA]

24: They are being built right now, but aren't condos. They are apartments set aside for moderate income and will have up to 4 bedrooms in some units. From the look of the billboard on the property it looks very similar to some of the condo buildings in the area. I think its the only development thus far that is rental property. If I remember correctly it was a requirement by the RDA to set aside some units for moderate income.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

14: The RDA announced that this project was canceled. They actually purchased the property and are planning some kind of park. They moved the palm trees from the amphitheatre over to this property.

I actually looks better. meanwhile the amphitheatre is now a pile of rubble (probably for the better).

9: They actually showed a picture of this project and talked about it for a few minutes at the RDA meeting last night. I hope they are able to get around the height restrictions... it looks very cool.

[LAMetroGuy]

14: The RDA announced that this project was canceled. They actually purchased the property and are planning some kind of park. They moved the palm trees from the amphitheatre over to this property.

My mistake, I meant to say # 14 was Promenade Lofts - Lyon Realty Advisors. I fixed it. The 3rd Street Promenade Lofts by Urban Pacific Builders was cancelled and it was right accross the street to the north... I also like the palm trees!

I actually looks better. meanwhile the amphitheatre is now a pile of rubble (probably for the better).

Yes, I agree... the old amphatheater was sunken in so it made for a big homeless slumber party.

9: They actually showed a picture of this project and talked about it for a few minutes at the RDA meeting last night. I hope they are able to get around the height restrictions... it looks very cool.

Yes, I also went to the Town Hall meeting. Is this the rendering you are talking about?

http://o5d.com/images/middle_pt_lofts.jpg

[Mariuccia]

I toured the sales models at both towers (even the one with the extensive water damage). Although I don't like the exterior, the interior spaces were appealing to me.

Does anyone know to what extent former councilman Dan Baker and his crew were involved with this project? I'd like to know if it was built correctly...

Thanks for any information!

[LAMetroGuy]

Dan Baker was not involved with the building of Aqua. The East tower "had" water damage on two floors (I guess that could be extensive, or not?)... it has since been fixed to code.

You can read about the building of the towers here:

http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_luxury_ocean.asp

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

Yes, I also went to the Town Hall meeting. Is this the rendering you are talking about?


Yes - That was the render. What chance do you think this building has? I heard it would take 2 years alone to get the printing press machinery out of the main building.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

I went to this meeting... sounds like good stuff but a long way to go.

Residents, Artists Anxious For Art Center






By Carla M. Collado
Staff Writer

Residents who gathered Thursday night for a community meeting regarding the development of the Art Exchange block downtown had plenty of ideas as to what should be built there.

From housing to parking, artists, residents and local business owners voiced their ideas and concerns as to how the area — which will serve as a link between the Pine Avenue/Promenade area and the East Village — should look and operate.

Many people said the space should include subsidized artist live-work lofts, public art, art education centers, small businesses, galleries and centralized underground parking. Others said the area should be visitor friendly, with a tree-lined park area, water fountains and should have alleys and walkways decorated with art.

City and Redevelopment Agency leaders hosted the meeting to provide an overview of the Art Exchange project, as well as get community feedback to pass on to developers.

The Art Exchange project started almost 10 years ago and is part of a larger downtown development project. It would be located on the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Broadway, bounded by Third Street and Elm Avenue. In April, the city and RDA selected two firms to compete for work on the block. Proposals submitted by Williams & Dame and Toll Brothers included residential, retail and an art center component.

“This is a priority for me,” said Suja Lowenthal, Second District Councilwoman-elect. “I want to see a cultural anchor in the city of Long Beach.”

As the meeting — which packed the First Congregational Church — progressed, the ideas poured forth. Several people suggested that the Art Exchange collaborate with local universities to create art education programs, or even offer recent graduates gallery space. Some noted the importance of preserving historical sites such as Acres of Books.

Better promoting the project nationally and bringing well-known artists to live in the art center were other ideas. Some recommended providing housing for the homeless.

But Marv Haney, a former land and business owner who worked on various city development projects in the past, warned residents not to turn it into a “social service building.”

“This is going to be a very expensive building,” Haney said. “I can tell you that no private developer is going to come in there and put all kinds of things like youth hostels and places for the homeless Š we have to get practical.”

The RDA sponsored a feasibility study in 2004 that proposed two alternative projects: a 40,000-square-foot facility and a 52,000-square-foot facility. Both featured art education programs, studios for artists to live and work in, an industrial arts workshop, space for special events and office space. Costs for the proposed developments ranged between $9.8 million and $11.4 million, excluding costs for parking.

After the meeting, Phil Appleby, realtor and board member of the Downtown Long Beach Associates, said he was pleased with the ideas he’d heard. He said that while he is excited about the project moving forward, a long process lies ahead for developers, who must get permits and go through city procedures before they can finally begin construction.

“This is a major block,” Appleby said. “A project like this in a city like this is going to take three to six years.”

Amy Bodek, the city’s project development bureau manager, said the city and RDA will complete negotiations with developers within the next few months.

The other two downtown areas scheduled for development are the City Hall East block at First Street and the Bank of America building at Broadway, and the MTA block bounded by First Street and Broadway, west of Long Beach Boulevard. Developers for those blocks proposed adaptive reuse of certain buildings, a Grand Prix museum and parking for the MTA station.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

I went to this meeting... sounds like good stuff but a long way to go.

Residents, Artists Anxious For Art Center






By Carla M. Collado
Staff Writer

Residents who gathered Thursday night for a community meeting regarding the development of the Art Exchange block downtown had plenty of ideas as to what should be built there.

From housing to parking, artists, residents and local business owners voiced their ideas and concerns as to how the area — which will serve as a link between the Pine Avenue/Promenade area and the East Village — should look and operate.

Many people said the space should include subsidized artist live-work lofts, public art, art education centers, small businesses, galleries and centralized underground parking. Others said the area should be visitor friendly, with a tree-lined park area, water fountains and should have alleys and walkways decorated with art.

City and Redevelopment Agency leaders hosted the meeting to provide an overview of the Art Exchange project, as well as get community feedback to pass on to developers.

The Art Exchange project started almost 10 years ago and is part of a larger downtown development project. It would be located on the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Broadway, bounded by Third Street and Elm Avenue. In April, the city and RDA selected two firms to compete for work on the block. Proposals submitted by Williams & Dame and Toll Brothers included residential, retail and an art center component.

“This is a priority for me,” said Suja Lowenthal, Second District Councilwoman-elect. “I want to see a cultural anchor in the city of Long Beach.”

As the meeting — which packed the First Congregational Church — progressed, the ideas poured forth. Several people suggested that the Art Exchange collaborate with local universities to create art education programs, or even offer recent graduates gallery space. Some noted the importance of preserving historical sites such as Acres of Books.

Better promoting the project nationally and bringing well-known artists to live in the art center were other ideas. Some recommended providing housing for the homeless.

But Marv Haney, a former land and business owner who worked on various city development projects in the past, warned residents not to turn it into a “social service building.”

“This is going to be a very expensive building,” Haney said. “I can tell you that no private developer is going to come in there and put all kinds of things like youth hostels and places for the homeless Š we have to get practical.”

The RDA sponsored a feasibility study in 2004 that proposed two alternative projects: a 40,000-square-foot facility and a 52,000-square-foot facility. Both featured art education programs, studios for artists to live and work in, an industrial arts workshop, space for special events and office space. Costs for the proposed developments ranged between $9.8 million and $11.4 million, excluding costs for parking.

After the meeting, Phil Appleby, realtor and board member of the Downtown Long Beach Associates, said he was pleased with the ideas he’d heard. He said that while he is excited about the project moving forward, a long process lies ahead for developers, who must get permits and go through city procedures before they can finally begin construction.

“This is a major block,” Appleby said. “A project like this in a city like this is going to take three to six years.”

Amy Bodek, the city’s project development bureau manager, said the city and RDA will complete negotiations with developers within the next few months.

The other two downtown areas scheduled for development are the City Hall East block at First Street and the Bank of America building at Broadway, and the MTA block bounded by First Street and Broadway, west of Long Beach Boulevard. Developers for those blocks proposed adaptive reuse of certain buildings, a Grand Prix museum and parking for the MTA station.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

RDA delays vote on Koo's Center
Art complex slated for review; downtown projects approved.
By Don Jergler, Staff writer



LONG BEACH -- Koo's Arts Center managers must wait a few more weeks to see if they will get a $50,000 grant to improve their East Village Arts District studio, and several key projects in downtown are now a few steps away from being green-lighted.
In addition to discussing their $105 million budget for 2007, the Redevelopment Agency board took care of a full platter of business during a nearly four-hour meeting on Monday.

The board approved final designs for:


Lyon Realty's 104-unit apartment project between Broadway and Third Street


Olson Co.'s West Gateway 195-unit residential project at the corner of Main Street and Broadway

The Menorah Senior Housing 65-unit apartment project near Atlantic Avenue and Willow Street.

The designs for each project are subject to an additional review by the RDA board, and the projects also must pass muster with the city's Planning Department before being finalized.

“Today was a very big meeting,” said Pat West, the city's community development director.

The RDA also voted to purchase a parcel on the Pacific Electric right-of-way from Orange Avenue to Walnut Avenue for nearly $1.7 million.

That purchase paves the way for building the Salvation Army-operated Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

In May, the Salvation Army announced that Long Beach would receive between $70 million and $80 million from the estate of the late Joan Kroc for a center to be built at Chittick Field, 19 acres of flood-control basin at Pacific Coast Highway and Walnut Avenue.

Another vote by the agency authorized more than $1.6 million for improvements on Atlantic Avenue between 56th and 59th streets, and South Street between Linden and Lime avenues in North Long Beach.

Not given the green light was Koo's Art Center. Board


members wanted the Koo's project to be discussed more thoroughly by the Central Project Area Committee, a citizen's redevelopment advisory group.

Koo's is an artists collaborative in the heart of the East Village.

Koo's managers applied for the money to make upgrades to the complex. The project is estimated to cost $120,000.

If CPAC members again vote in favor of the project, the board will decide on July 10 whether to give Koo's the funding.

The RDA's budget for 2007 is estimated to reach $105 million, far less than 2006's $139 million budget.

West said the budget is lower because the agency is now beginning to spend money taken out in 2005 redevelopment bond money issued across several project areas.

Redevelopment projects use money from increased income tax assessments for purposes including affordable housing, economic development and curing blight.

The upcoming budget includes funding for acquisitions on the West Gateway project, the preparation of a strategic guide for the Central Project Area, building parking projects in North Long Beach, and funding a study for traffic enhancements throughout the city.

[LAMetroGuy]

Finally, new renderings for Shoreline Gateway~~~!!!!

The project proposes a mixed-use development involving a 22-story residential tower at the northwest corner of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue, a 15- to 19-story stepped slab building west of the existing Lime Avenue and Ocean Boulevard intersection and a 10-story building northeast of the existing Artaban building. The proposed buildings would be situated over a two-story podium of residential, retail and live/work units, resulting in a maximum height of 24-, 21- and 12-stories, respectively, from grade (refer to Exhibit 2-4, Proposed Project Roof Plan). Development of the project would allow up to 365 residential units including live/work spaces, townhomes, one to three bedroom apartments, and penthouse units and associated amenities. The project proposes locating live/work units adjacent to Ocean Boulevard and townhouse units adjacent to the Bronce Way alley and Medio Street. The proposal would involve relocating the existing Bronce Way alley northward to the edge of the project site providing direct access to the proposed townhouse units. A maximum of 20,000 square feet of ground floor retail, art gallery, café and civic space uses would front the proposed residential tower and stepped slab building on Ocean Boulevard. Lime Avenue between Medio Street and Ocean Boulevard would be vacated to allow for an elliptical-shaped paseo between these buildings. Parking for approximately 860 cars would be provided in three subterranean parking levels and in a concealed parking structure located atgrade and one level above-grade. The parking structure would be concealed from the public by the proposed live/work and townhouse units and the proposed retail uses.
Additionally, a residential garden would be located directly above the structure, surrounded by the existing Artaban building on the west and proposed residential uses on the north, east and south. Vehicular access to the project site would occur from Atlantic Avenue, Ocean Boulevard and at the western terminus of Medio Street. Development of the project, as proposed, would result in the removal of 63 multiplefamily residential units and approximately 20,980 square feet of retail, restaurant and office uses.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/shorelinegateway.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/shorelinegateway2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/shorelinegateway4.jpg

Without
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/shorelinegateway5.jpg

With
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/shorelinegateway6.jpg

[kevininlb]

[QUOTE=LAMetroGuy]Finally, new renderings for Shoreline Gateway~~~!!!!

WOW! Awesome!!! Thanks for posting the pics. Yesterday, I walked past that ratty video store that's there now and wished it would go away. Wow, I hope this happens. The buildings look great.

[LAMetroGuy]

So, anyone have an opinion regarding these new towers? I think this is pretty big news for LB (and LA County).... no???

[LAMetroGuy]

Historic P-T building sold
Paper to move to Arco Center in October.
By Don Jergler, Staff writer

Rendering of the proposed Press-Telegram Lofts development:
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site204/2006/0705/20060705_082549_060614_PTL_views2e_1_1_300.jpg

LONG BEACH -- The sale of the landmark Press-Telegram building was finalized on Wednesday, clearing the way for two high-rises featuring 542 residential lofts for middle-income buyers.

The sale of the building, a downtown centerpiece since 1925, was first announced in November 2005. Financing went through last week and the sale was recorded on Wednesday.

As a result of the sale, the Press-Telegram will be relocating its offices in mid-October to the downtown Arco Center. The newspaper will occupy parts of four floors in the center's west tower at 300 Oceangate.

“It's been a long, long process but it's one that I think is going to be rewarding for the developers, for the Press-Telegram and the city all the way around,” Press-Telegram Publisher Mark Stevens said.

Since developers first announced the residential project, more units have been added to the plans to address the shortfall of faculty housing at Cal State Long Beach, developers said.

“Sixty units are to be sold at cost to Cal State University Long Beach for tenure-track faculty,” said Jim Brophy, a partner in Long Beach-based October Five Development, which purchased the 2.45- acre Press-Telegram property at 604 Pine Ave. for $20 million.

As modified, the proposed loft project features two 22-story towers instead of 20- and 22-story towers while keeping the facade and a portion of the newspaper's original building.
The project, called the Press-Telegram Lofts, will dedicate some of its ground floor space as a permanent home to the Long Beach Arts Council. Another portion of the ground floor is to be occupied by CSULB's Center for Community Engagement. There is also a proposal for a small gallery space, Brophy said.

The project must go through the Planning Commission and get City Council approval. If all goes well, “we could be looking at December of this year for groundbreaking,” Brophy said.

The project is expected to take two years to complete.

The sale of the P-T building includes all but the northwest corner of the downtown block bounded by Pine Avenue, Sixth Street, Locust Avenue and Seventh Street.

To make way for the $138 million proposal, the newspaper will relocate its offices to the Arco Center's west building on Ocean Boulevard across from the World Trade Center.

The newspaper has signed a lease for 42,661 square feet on three floors of the Arco Center, six blocks south and about six blocks west of its current home.

The paper's 220 employees, who work in the editorial, advertising, administration, marketing, production, design, finance, human resources and systems departments, will move to the new location in October, Stevens said.

At the Arco Center, the newspaper intends to occupy portions of three floors, including a reception area on the first floor of the west tower, Stevens said.

Offices for the Spanish-language Impacto newspaper, currently in the Press-Telegram building, will move into a portion of a fourth floor of the Arco Center, he said.

The newspaper has signed a 15-year lease at the site, with a 10-year renewal option, Stevens said.

Height limits

While downtown Long Beach is zoned for high-rises and high-density projects, subsections of that zone have height and density restrictions.

The Press-Telegram building falls into the mixed-use classification, which limits projects to 100 feet and 54 units per acre.

To obtain a zoning ordinance amendment, developers have commissioned an environmental impact report, due to be released later this month.

That process would include an analysis of potential traffic impact, public meetings with nearby residents and approval from the Planning Commission and the City Council.

The next step in the Pine Avenue project is for October Five to get a green light from the Planning Commission on the zoning changes.

Brophy said that in feedback from community outreach, “very little concern was raised, other than parking.” Public meetings have been held throughout the area to listen to feedback.

The Press-Telegram Lofts would be designed for middle-income, first-time buyers, Brophy said. The majority of the units will be in the 700- to 900-square-foot range.

Units of 600 square feet to 700 square feet will likely sell from the high $200,000s and low $300,000s, while units up to 1,500 square feet would sell in the high $500,000s, Brophy said.

Key investment

John Molina, whose family founded Molina Healthcare, has provided key financing for the project.

Molina and his wife, Michelle, committed themselves to the project early on. All five of the Molina siblings eventually chipped in.

The Molina family's history with the city dates back to the 1950s. “This is the kind of project that we think Long Beach needs,” John Molina said.

“It's the type of housing that we think will give the teachers, the firefighters and the police the opportunity to live in the community that they serve,” he added.

If approved, the project would add to a downtown condominium boom that has seen several recent high-rise projects along Ocean Boulevard.

A building slowdown in the 1990s added less than 1 percent to the city's housing stock in that decade. With the anticipated addition of up to 50,000 jobs to the city by 2015, economists estimate 33,000 new units will be required to keep pace.

New chapter

For the Press-Telegram, the upcoming move marks a significant new chapter in the newspaper's history. The newspaper that became the Press-Telegram began publishing in 1897.

The P-T has called Sixth Street and Pine Avenue home since March 7, 1925.

While the move marks a shift for the newspaper, some of the daily operations have left the headquarters in recent years. Since 1998, the newspaper itself has been printed at a plant in Valencia. The old presses, however, remain in the building.

Brophy said he has yet to find a buyer interested in the machinery.

The Press-Telegram is owned by MediaNews Group Inc., which bought the building when it purchased the newspaper in 1997. MediaNews Group also publishes the Los Angeles Daily News, the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, the San Bernardino Sun, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the Redlands Daily Facts, the Grunion Gazette and the Downtown Gazette.

Don Jergler can be reached at don.jergler@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1281.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

i love it all. the LBC is REALLY on the upswing. these projects are very nice and in scale to the rest of the neighborhood. i would love to see the Long Beach follow the San Diego and Vancouver model. it would be ideal.

[colemonkee]

^ Yes, these projects are exciting, and so far all of the designs have been pretty nice, save for the first design of Edgewater, which looked like a reject from Miami. The new design is much better. Shoreline Gateway is one of the best of the bunch, though I wish it could be taller.

I was in Long Beach over the weekend and it really is nice. Pine Ave. has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife and shopping, and with all the construction around, that should spread to the other streets, which are pretty pedestrian friendly to begin with. One West Ocean is already making a pretty good impact on the skyline - you can see if from the 405 as you drive in.

However, I really think they should have gone taller with Edgewater. That might be the single best location in Long Beach - near the water, near the convention center, near the Pike, on Pine Ave., and one block from a Blue Line stop. The current design looks nice enough, but it should be a 30-40 story tower, IMO.

[LAMetroGuy]

I agree, taller would be better, but I'm happy with the design for all projects thus far. I wanted to mention that the tallest of the Shoreline Gateway towers has a spire that will serve as a "Beacon" that will be illuminated at night, love that!

[regboi21]

do yall know when they will start construction on the shoreline gatway project and what buildings will be torn down to make way for the shoreline gateway project.:)

[regboi21]

Does anybody know what the developers are building next to the long beach post office on long beach blvd the lot used to have a 99 cents store and recreational building that used to be a bank the buildings were demolished recentley and is now a big hole in the ground covered with a fence with a sign that says space availible.

[LAMetroGuy]

do yall know when they will start construction on the shoreline gatway project and what buildings will be torn down to make way for the shoreline gateway project.:)


not sure when construction will start... regarding the buildings, i hope all of them are torn down, they are all a big eyesore and I can't wait for these to rise!

[regboi21]

Do yall know if there are anymore parcels or sites that are schedualed to be redeveloped on long beach blvd or elsewere besides the ones listed on this website also are they planning on reopening the jergens subway its a small tunnel underneath ocean blvd on the property of bixby park it was used as a passage way for pedestrians to enter the beach in the 50's and 60's when the jergens trust building was demolished in the 80's the passage way was closed and recently the main entrance way on bixby park was torn down leaviing the exit portal at the beach area do yall think jergens tunnel should be rebuilt for better acces to the beach from bixby park

[LAMetroGuy]

No, do you know of any?

[LAMetroGuy]

Looff's roof nearly history
Approved plan for tower to salvage Pike part in nearby kiosk.
By Joe Segura, Staff writer

LONG BEACH - The Looff's roof - considered a city treasure, a part of the old Pike - will be all but lost, with only a small section salvaged.

The city's Planning Commission approved a plan Thursday for a 21-story residential tower by Camden Development, with the ground floor to feature 3,900 square feet for commercial use. It would include 216 residential units and 476 parking spaces.

http://www.tca-arch.com/ontheboardsf/longbeach/perspective.jpg

The cupola of the Looff's roof will be integrated into an informational kiosk to be installed in Victory Park along the 150 W. Ocean Blvd. project site.

"It's really upsetting," said Planning Commissioner Nick Sramek. "It's one of the few pieces of history we have of the Pike."

The roof once topped the Looff's Amusements building at the Nu-Pike Amusement Park. The park was torn down in the '80s, but the building once housing a carousel and the Lite-A-Line game remained. Lite-A-Line was a wagering game that crossed bingo and pinball.

http://www.lbreport.com/images/litelin2.jpg

Looff's left the Pike site for 2500 Long Beach Blvd. in 2001.

The commissioners were told that the roof was beyond repair and that only a replica would be safe for use.

To offset the loss of the historic roof, a package of compensation measures was included in the proposed development agreement, including the establishment of a Historic Preservation Fund with a $3 million contribution.

Half of the funds will be used for survey work, development and updates of preservation plans, rehabilitation work on public properties, landmark designations, Cultural Heritage Commission training, public workshops and publications.

The remaining $1.5 million will be used to assist the relocation of the Historical Society of Long Beach.

Stan Poe, president of the Long Beach Heritage Association and a member of the Cultural Heritage Commission, said he once recommended that the roof be placed in Cesar Chavez Park as part of a band stand, but said the idea was rejected by city staffers contending the move would lose the historic roof's context - by not being near the Pike.

History buffs, Poe said, worried about the roof's welfare when it moved from its Pike site several years ago, but kept their silence because they believed the roof would be restored with a future building. There was no hint that those plans would be abandoned, he added.

"There would have been a huge uproar," Poe said. "But they were placated by the promises."

Poe also said that the Cultural Heritage Commission had been told it would have a limited role on the future of the roof, and that it was being informed about the plans for the roof only out of courtesy.

Sramek said he went to the Planning Commission meeting, set against the plans to reduce the roof to a cupola on a kiosk.

But he changed his mind after being assured that the roof's alleged extremely poor condition made upgrading efforts useless.

Poe said he never saw a formal study or report on the roof's conditions.

"I don't recall seeing anything that could be considered as an official report," he said.

Cultural Heritage Commissioner William Wynne, an architect, said the structure had not been maintained since it was moved three years ago.

"Emotionally, it's a loss of one of the city's treasures," Wynne said. "It's a loss."

Joe Segura can be reached at joe.segura@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1274.

[solongfullerton]

The roof is cool and is a reminder of the hay days of the LBC, but it really is a waste of space at its current location. I'm not quite sure what else they could do with it.

[LAMetroGuy]

California’s Next Great City’

A Conversation With Urban Design Officer Stephanie Reich

By Chad Greene
Staff Writer

“This city is what it is because our citizens are what they are,” Plato once observed of Athens.

Stephanie Reich studied at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and Cornell University, not the Athenian Academy, but the City of Long Beach’s first urban design officer seems to have taken that bit of Platonic philosophy to heart, nonetheless. Although an architect and urban designer by trade, Reich is determined to make the cityscape more fully reflect not her own vision, but that of its citizenry.

“When one moves from a position of authorship as one has in private practice to one in the city where you have a very indirect and rather intangible impact on the built environment, it does require some soul searching,” Reich says. “I am an architect, and I practice architecture and urban design, but I’ve always really been most interested in making cities. And the opportunity that’s presented by urban designer and urban design officer positions is the one where I can contribute most to the growth and the future of a community.”

Reich, who serves as co-chair of the Urban Design Committee of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, made her move to the public sector in 2003 after a 16-year career in private practice during which she was the principal of her own firm, Reich Architecture + Urban Design, as well as a project designer for, among others, Studio Daniel Libeskind and Morphosis, the firm founded by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Thom Mayne. After nearly three years as the urban designer for the City of Santa Monica, she joined the staff of the City of Long Beach in January.

Earlier this month, Reich sat down with the Business Journal for a conversation about how outstanding urban design could help Long Beach become California’s next great city – something which, Reich suggests, it may already be.

LBBJ: Because you are the City of Long Beach’s first urban design officer, you are – to a large extent – defining the job as you go. What, in your opinion, is the proper role of the urban designer in local government?

REICH: It’s interesting because an urban designer is really in a position of integrating a lot of different disciplines and number of different stakeholders and actors both inside and outside of city government who do impact the built environment. I have a unique position because I am the only one in the planning department and, really, in community development, who has a specific expertise in urban design and three-dimensional formmaking. So I have an understanding of how all the different disciplines impact and become integrated in a three-dimensional realization of the city. So I think of my role here as offering that expertise in the most collaborative way possible so that the city can become an even better city, the best city in Southern California, through urban design.

LBBJ: I’d like to ask you specifically about the design-review process and how it can be improved – besides, of course, by bringing in an architect such as yourself. We cover the development community pretty closely, and delays in the design-review and permitting processes are among its members’ biggest complaints.

REICH: Well, that is certainly something we are looking at. We believe that, through a team approach, we can give a developer consistent information and develop a process that has that level of consistency and predictability so that the applicants, developers and architects will know what to expect, will know what we are expecting and hoping for, and be able to achieve that.

LBBJ: Is that where design guidelines come into play?

REICH: Design guidelines really are a help with that, and so we’re looking at developing guidelines, but also, through the General Plan update and other policy projects, to really look at the city more holistically.

LBBJ: Another one of your tasks, as I understand it, is working on the urban design component of the General Plan. Why is it important for a city to establish an overarching vision for its future development?

REICH: Well, I don’t actually see the urban design component as developing sort of an end point or a master plan. Cities . . . are always growing and changing, and the General Plan is the most important policy project we’re embarking on. And it’s essential for the General Plan and other urban design policies to be integrated within that – historic preservation, sustainability, mobility – to set up a framework that creates places, identifiable places that people connect to, and then also connecting those places one to the other. . . . That, in turn, will set up a framework for, in working very closely with the community, what the community would like to see. And not to set up an endpoint, but to set up a framework to allow and foster good developing, placemaking and really fine urban design policies that integrate with all the other components: land use, mobility, sustainability, historic preservation, economic development. It is very important that we’re integrating all these pieces in the General Plan.

LBBJ: You were speaking earlier about creating places, identifiable places, and then connecting them to each other. When you say “place,” are you thinking more the neighborhood sense?

REICH: Placemaking is . . . an important endeavor in urban design, and takes place on a variety of different scales, on all different levels. So placemaking can be at the median level, at the street level, block-by-block, it can be pocket parks or dog runs, and how those discrete places then combine to build identifiable neighborhoods where people can say, for example, “I live in Willmore City,” and really be proud of that place where they live. And how then each of a variety of discrete places within the neighborhood gets tied together, and then that can be tied together in a larger community, and how those connections are made is also a function of creating an important urban design framework so that there’s not . . . discrete places and, in-between, sort of, not necessarily a no-man’s land, but a place that is really not identifiable . . . not distinguishable. So one of the most important opportunities in urban design is to identify the streets as an important place. Mark Winogrond, someone I respect very much, often quotes . . . Louis Kahn: “The street is a room by agreement.” And that’s a very important concept, that all members of the community – businessowners, residents, visitors – have a stake in creating a room by agreement and deciding where the furniture goes. And so in thinking of the street as a room and how that place is three-dimensionally created by the buildings that surround it, what fronts on the street to give it what defines it as a space – its four walls, if you will. What are the surfaces? What happens at the sidewalk? Where’s the landscaping? So it really all comes together, the development on private property being one component, the improvements that public works will make another component – important infrastructures of transit moving people and cars through the street. The street is a really important part of the organism that is the city.

LBBJ: Are there any specific guiding principles that you plan on incorporating into the urban design component – any of the tenets of New Urbanism, for instance?

REICH: In my view, good urban design is not really achieved by a fixed ideology, a preconceived notion of what a community can look like. It has to develop organically from who is here, first and foremost, and who makes the community, what they want it to be and what we have to work with. And in Long Beach, we are just incredibly lucky, because we’ve got so many resources here, we’ve got an amazing central location in the Southern California region, we’ve got the ocean, we’ve got fabulous weather, we’ve got a terrific orientation – north-south – that we can take advantage of, we’ve got opportunities for green space. It’s an amazing, rich fabric of resources that we’ll be able to take advantage of because, while we’re always looking to the future and wanting to make the communities fresh and vital, we’re not reinventing Long Beach. Long Beach is already a fabulous place to be. I mean, there are places and spaces here that can compete internationally with any of the most touristed locations. So we’ve got amazing resources here that we can draw from to really develop urban design solutions and strategies in a framework that’s really authentic to Long Beach.

LBBJ: What are some of those places, though, specifically, that you are alluding to that you think could stand up internationally.

REICH: There are so many places, that I’m a little uncomfortable highlighting one or two. I’m thinking more generally – the geography, the topography, the location by the ocean.

LBBJ: It’s really one of the last urban waterfronts in Southern California that still has room for development.

REICH: But it’s not only the waterfront that makes it an important city. There are places within each of the neighborhoods that are already strong centers that can be developed to be stronger, that can be even better.

LBBJ: It’s clear that, due to land constraints, the city simple cannot build enough single-family homes to accommodate its projected population growth over the next couple decades. It’s time, in other words, to start “growing up” instead of “growing out.” Many people, however, have an immediate and adverse reaction to the word “density.” What, in your mind, is appropriate density?

REICH: That’s something that will have to be worked out through these kinds of broader, holistic policy projects. What’s right for downtown, for instance? We’ll be embarking on a “downtown visioning” project that will start to work that out. And again, there aren’t any pat answers. It’s actually interesting because, as an architect, I’ve been trained that there’s no preconceived idea of what you’ll end up with, but there’s a process and approach that you’re trained in. And the same is true for urban design: There’s a process and approach of analysis and projection and also of trying to develop and imagine and dream of what something can become, authentically, through that kind of analysis. And when you ask about density, there are so many factors, at any one city, community or even intersection, that impact on how some things should be shaped and formed.

LBBJ: What role could transit-oriented development along the city’s commercial corridors play in increasing density while simultaneously respecting the integrity of established residential neighborhoods?

REICH: That’s certainly a principle that’s sort of widely held by the Southern California Association of Governments. . . . And that’s something that is an important tool in our toolbox. We need to figure out: Where are the most important opportunities for transit-oriented development? Where do they work well? Where are we wanting to focus? Where does it make sense to focus development? What kind of development it should be? It all needs to be done together with the community, together with all the stakeholders in a collaborative way. But transit-oriented development is an important tool . . . in principle, for seeing how growth can be accommodated. Again, these are all tools. None of them is sort of the one “silver bullet.”

LBBJ: You’ve mentioned the need to integrate new construction with the existing historic fabric of the city. What are your feelings, in general, about the residential reuse of older commercial properties that are no longer suited to today’s retail or office needs?

REICH: First of all, reuse is better than recycle, and you’re maintaining and reusing the material that is there, and then growing on it. That kind of continuity of use is very important for a vital city.

LBBJ: Cities are, for the most part, constantly evolving. Is it possible, looking at the City of Long Beach today, to discern, if not the final form of its evolution, then perhaps at least a suggestion of it?

REICH: Oh, I couldn’t answer that. . . . I think the approach that I bring is one that is very thoughtful and deliberate and one that doesn’t superimpose any solutions from other places but . . . is always taking ideas that are valuable that have been tested in other places and seeing how those ideas can be useful here in Long Beach. And looking at Long Beach and helping figure out what it can become. . . . I’m trying to clearly describe what to your audience are very abstract ideas about approaches, because really what I’m trying convey is that we don’t really know the “what.” We don’t really know what it’s going to look like. And if we did, one would question: “How could you know that? What have you looked at? What have you studied? What gives you the background? How did you come to that, that really clear vision?” Because a lot of work has to be done, through a tremendously collaborative approach, to look at what a city then becomes in 20 years and 50 years. And so, what I’m trying to describe to you is what are some of the ingredients that go into that kind of collaborative approach, what are some of the strategies, some of the principles of placemaking that are ingredients, along with things that are not my particular specialty and rely on members of our team, members of the community and members of your readership to help us with the knowledge about what makes an economically vital community and how can we really sustain it.

LBBJ: Certainly. So, would it be reductive to say that it’s not so much the “what” that’s your concern, but the “why” and the “how”? The process of that becoming, whatever it’s going to become.

REICH: Right. . . . Because the “how,” that kind of strategy and approach can seem, to a non-design professional, very obtuse and very abstract. But it relies, as I mentioned, on taking the existing conditions, doing a lot of extensive, formal analysis – mapping of existing conditions, mapping of future demographics. A lot of that work has been done in the first phase of the General Plan, for instance. So, looking at that, and then the next piece of “What are the projections?” And the most important piece, “What do our stakeholders want?”

LBBJ: You had mentioned in one of your previous responses the need to look at things that happened in other cities and see what can we learn from them. Are there any other cities in Southern California – or elsewhere – that you feel could serve as models for Long Beach’s future development?

REICH: I don’t really think about citing specific cities. I think about . . . collecting a library of some great places. What can we learn from that place that may be the same size and scale as this neighborhood, for instance, where we may be doing streetscape improvements? What can we learn from there? I’m very strong on focusing on a specific place and developing solutions that are very authentic to that place and that are not taken from somewhere else and overlaid onto it. The danger is of having a strong ideology and a strong image or, you know, “Such and such is my favorite city, and I want Long Beach to be just like that.” That is certainly not my approach. I don’t agree with that approach. I agree with an approach that is really focused on the splendid qualities of the place that you’re in. . . . I think that if I were to say that, to give you an example, it could be potentially be interpreted by someone as, “Oh, well now I know where she’s coming from.”

LBBJ: That’s fair. I see your point, definitely. There have been so many people over the years that have suggested turning Pine Avenue into the Third Street Promenade, for instance, and that’s just . . .

REICH: Well, yeah, Pine Avenue is completely different. It’s interesting, because I find as I – I use the term “mature” – I’m becoming a lot more appreciative of the wide variety of possible solutions and . . . my approach is to always look for what are the positive aspects of this place, of this neighborhood, of this building, and how can we take that and then achieve something that’s even better? Never to discount or disqualify something for having been wrong in the past, or “We’ll never build something like that again.” But to understand what was the context within which that place, or building, or street was developed, understanding how it got to be where it is now and understanding what are the strengths and what are the things that we can do to enhance and augment that place to make it, sometimes, more of what it already is, sometimes to move it into a different direction if it’s been taken in a not-so-positive direction, how to find solutions that work on all those different levels that we talked about. And that takes a . . . real team approach. Because I can offer my expertise in design thinking, in urban design, in three-dimensional design approaches, in linking other disciplines, which is what urban designers are good at. But I’m not a professional in all of the disciplines that are really important to making a great city. So, to me, the most important thing is to, with my teammates, foster that kind of collaboration where we draw on the highest and best expertise to create really great urban design, which will move the city forward to become California’s next great city – which, I think, it may already be.

[LAMetroGuy]

Comments Sought On Shoreline Gateway

By Kurt Helin
Editor

Long Beach officials are looking for comments on a development that would reshape the Eastern edge of downtown.

Called the Shoreline Gateway project, it is a three-building, 22-story project on the northwest corner of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue.

The draft Environmental Impact Report is done and the city will host a public meeting on that document at 9 a.m. this morning (Monday) at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

The northwest corner of Alamitos and Ocean long has been planned as a site for development a site that currently is home to Long Beach Cafe, a Video Choice store, a parking lot and several apartment buildings. About 41% of the property is owned by the city.

However, controversy came up last April when one of the proposed projects for the site was a 40-story tower that would have been the tallest building in Long Beach. Eventually the developer pulled that plan and the Redevelopment Agency board started negotiations with a smaller development proposed by Anderson Pacific.

Current plans call for a 22-story residential tower (about the same height as the Villa Riviera) at the northwest corner of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue; a 15- to 19-story stepped slab building west of the existing Lime Avenue and Ocean Boulevard intersection; and a 10-story building northeast of the existing Artaban building.

This project would have 358 residences and in between the existing buildings would be walkways and public spaces, according to the designs shown to city planners. The plans also would include space for retail shops, restaurants and other businesses.

Prior to getting the backing of the RDA board, Anderson Pacific designers met with the Villa Riviera Homeowners Association and received its approval.

People have until Aug. 14 to make formal comments on the draft EIR. That EIR is available for public review at City Hall (on the seventh floor), at the Long Beach Main Library, 101 Pacific Ave., and online at www.longbeach.gov/plan/pb/epd/er.asp.

Comments will be taken at the July 24 meeting, as well as in writing. Written comments can be sent to Angela Reynolds, AICP, Planning Officer, City of Long Beach, Department of Planning and Building, 333 West Ocean Blvd, 7th Floor, Long Beach, California 90802; or via e-mail to: angela_reynolds@longbeach.gov.

[LAMetroGuy]

Ocean Blvd. project raises concerns
L.B. Cafe would be torn down to make way for three towers.

By Don Jergler, Staff writer

LONG BEACH - Increased noise and traffic from the Shoreline Gateway project on Ocean and Alamitos topped the list of negative impacts in an environmental report reviewed Monday by the Redevelopment Agency Board.

The three towers - 22-, 18- and 8-stories - will yield 358 residential units as well as retail and gallery space on 2.2 acres at Ocean Boulevard near Atlantic and Alamitos avenues.

The public can view the environmental impact report at www.longbeach.gov/plan/pb/epd/er.asp.

The public has until Aug. 14 to submit written comments to Angela Reynolds, AICP, Planning Officer, City of Long Beach, Department of Planning and Building, 333 West Ocean Boulevard, 7th Floor, Long Beach, Calif. 90802; or via e-mail to: angela_reynolds@longbeach.gov.

A public hearing to certify the final report will likely come in August, when the RDA Board will take a vote on whether to give the project the go ahead.

To make way for the project, several existing buildings would be torn down, including the Video Choice property and Long Beach Cafe on Ocean Boulevard.

"We would like to hold on to this ownership," said Ron Cole, an attorney for property owner Aphrodite Akopiantz, an 80-year-old woman who has owned the property for 40 years and who relies on the lease payments for income.

Developer Anderson Pacific offered her $2 million for the 18,000 square foot parcel, "which we consider to be a below-market offer," Cole said.

He added, "If it comes down to an eminent domain action then we will do what we can to protect her."

Should the owners of the building successfully stave off efforts to acquire the property, "it would require us to alter the scope of the project," said Ryan Altoon, with Anderson Pacific.

He said the offer to the property owner was fair market value.

The report released Monday points out that the project is in line with the city's, the RDA's and the East Village's long-range plans. However, it states that the project will result in "significant and unavoidable impacts" to the Alamitos and Ocean, and Alamitos and Seventh Street intersections.

"I am pro-development," said Anna Maria McGuan, a resident of Villa Riviera, across from the development. She is, however, concerned about increased traffic.

In other action, the board voted to hold meetings on the first and third Monday of each month to better align the board with other city agencies.

Don Jergler can be reached at don.jergler@presstelegram.com or (562)499-1281.

[LAMetroGuy]

LB fourmers.... where are u???

[citywatch]

^ Hey, it took an out of towner, KCgridlock, to take some of the best, most revealing photos I've ever seen of DTLB (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2199002&postcount=1)! :D

[ChrisLA]

^
Hey we all can't afford to take helicopter rides to take pictures over the city like KCgridlock :shrug: ;)

[kevininlb]

Ocean Blvd. project raises concerns
L.B. Cafe would be torn down to make way for three towers.

By Don Jergler, Staff writer

LONG BEACH - Increased noise and traffic from the Shoreline Gateway project on Ocean and Alamitos topped the list of negative impacts in an environmental report reviewed Monday by the Redevelopment Agency Board.

The three towers - 22-, 18- and 8-stories - will yield 358 residential units as well as retail and gallery space on 2.2 acres at Ocean Boulevard near Atlantic and Alamitos avenues.

The public can view the environmental impact report at www.longbeach.gov/plan/pb/epd/er.asp.

The public has until Aug. 14 to submit written comments to Angela Reynolds, AICP, Planning Officer, City of Long Beach, Department of Planning and Building, 333 West Ocean Boulevard, 7th Floor, Long Beach, Calif. 90802; or via e-mail to: angela_reynolds@longbeach.gov.

A public hearing to certify the final report will likely come in August, when the RDA Board will take a vote on whether to give the project the go ahead.

To make way for the project, several existing buildings would be torn down, including the Video Choice property and Long Beach Cafe on Ocean Boulevard.

"We would like to hold on to this ownership," said Ron Cole, an attorney for property owner Aphrodite Akopiantz, an 80-year-old woman who has owned the property for 40 years and who relies on the lease payments for income.

Developer Anderson Pacific offered her $2 million for the 18,000 square foot parcel, "which we consider to be a below-market offer," Cole said.

He added, "If it comes down to an eminent domain action then we will do what we can to protect her."

Should the owners of the building successfully stave off efforts to acquire the property, "it would require us to alter the scope of the project," said Ryan Altoon, with Anderson Pacific.

He said the offer to the property owner was fair market value.

The report released Monday points out that the project is in line with the city's, the RDA's and the East Village's long-range plans. However, it states that the project will result in "significant and unavoidable impacts" to the Alamitos and Ocean, and Alamitos and Seventh Street intersections.

"I am pro-development," said Anna Maria McGuan, a resident of Villa Riviera, across from the development. She is, however, concerned about increased traffic.

In other action, the board voted to hold meetings on the first and third Monday of each month to better align the board with other city agencies.

Don Jergler can be reached at don.jergler@presstelegram.com or (562)499-1281.

It looks like things are moving forward with this, despite concerns/controversy. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there's now a giant sign on Video Choice saying something like "Going Out of Business." That thing's an eyesore...can't wait for a tower to take its place.

[dragonsky]

Above Long Beach...
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=111427

[LAMetroGuy]

Article Launched: 07/27/2006 12:00:00 AM PDT

Downtown's rise
Condo plan OK, but need for eminent domain is iffy.


Downtown Long Beach is in the midst of a makeover that many cities would envy. High-rise condos are filling in the cracked, unattractive and underutilized urban core with new units that not only house middle- and high-income earners but also improve the appearance of the city for everyone looking in.

But Long Beach needs more good projects to maintain the momentum. That is why we support the proposal before the Redevelopment Agency board to build three residential towers on and north of Ocean Boulevard between Atlantic and Alamitos avenues.

Trying to stop projects like these with suburban arguments - namely parking and traffic concerns - is unwise, since many of the continent's marquee downtowns - Chicago, New York, Toronto - are dense, busy, vibrant places. A little extra traffic never hurt the best cities, and it won't hurt Long Beach.

The proposed Shoreline Gateway project calls for 358 new residential units in a trio of towers that are 22, 19 and 8 stories. This is compatible with historic buildings like the nearby Artaban and Villa Riviera, as well as newer towers like The Pacific and Aqua.

With the proposal being reviewed by the Redevelopment Agency's board, critics are raising concerns about traffic forecasts. We believe those concerns should be set aside when considering the overall benefit of the project and the fact that a few hundred new residents won't make much of a difference - unless they all pull out of the garage at the same time.

Rush hour might be a bit more of hassle, but there are plenty of east-west routes to downtown other than Ocean: Broadway, Third, Fourth and Seventh streets among them.

It wasn't so long ago that Long Beach boosters - and we were part of that chorus - were begging people to discover downtown. Now that they have, fellow residents and the city should not stifle new investment. In addition, those who already own property in the area only stand to gain in the long run from attractive neighboring structures.

Our support for the project, however, could change if the city employs eminent domain - at least one owner doesn't want to sell - to obtain the several parcels making up the project area. We'd need to hear a convincing argument for strong-arming owners into selling before changing our minds.

We generally oppose land seizures for private development, even at fair market value. It's one thing to take property to widen a freeway and quite another to take it to build condos.

Also, we think those who take a hard line against selling tend to soften as the offers get bigger. We'd like to see traditional negotiations exhausted first.

[LAMetroGuy]

The MTA Block developer was selected by the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency. The two finalists was Toll Brothers and Urban Growth/Related Companies.

The winner was "URBAN GROWTH LONG BEACH / RELATED COMPANIES".

Here are the preliminary renditions of the project. The taller tower is a carbon copy of Elleven (but at 22 stories) whereas the shorter tower is a copy of Luma (but at 14 stories). The developer used the same architect (ANKROM MOISAN) used by Williams and Dame.

MTA Block
URBAN GROWTH LONG BEACH / RELATED COMPANIES
Tower “One” is a 22-story loft- condominium building.
Tower “Two” is a 14-story soft-loft condominium building

Rendering:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/MTA%20Block/untitled.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/MTA%20Block/untitled3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/MTA%20Block/untitled2.jpg

[ThreeHundred]

I wanted that sail shaped tower to win. Ahh well. Hm..since this is basically another Elleven, should'nt they name it Twelve? Or mix up the spelling a bit and call it Twellve.

[LAMetroGuy]

I like this project!

http://www.o5d.com/images/middle_pt_lofts.jpg

http://www.o5d.com/images/gallery/thumb1.jpg

http://www.o5d.com/images/gallery/thumb2.jpg

http://www.o5d.com/images/gallery/thumb3.jpg

[LAMetroGuy]

Don Jergler, Staff writer

LONG BEACH - Half this city of nearly 500,000 - the state's fifth largest and the 33rd most populated in the nation - is in a redevelopment area.

That means one can find chainlink fencing, graded dirt lots, half-erected high-rises and cordoned-off areas all around the city.

Progress appears to be everywhere, and more of it is on its way.

The Redevelopment Agency's budget for the upcoming fiscal year calls for more than $102 million in expenditures.

"The focus of the Redevelopment Agency is to continue development activity that we have, in Downtown, North, the Central area, to expand open space, and create new housing opportunities at market and affordable rates," said Craig Beck, director of the RDA.

Several housing projects, parks and street improvements are expected to kick in with the approval of the budget. Other projects are under way this year or about to break ground under previous RDA budgets.

The RDA Board gave its approval to the budget last week, and the City Council is expected to review and approve the budget sometime in September.

Redevelopment is a tool created by state law that enables local governments to eliminate blight to make way for economic development, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of residential, commercial, industrial and retail districts.

Redevelopment money largely comes from tax increment, which is based on the assumption that a revitalized area will generate more property taxes. When a redevelopment project area is adopted, values of the property within the area are assessed. As assessed values and property tax revenues rise, the extra tax above that baseline - tax increment - is diverted back to the area for redevelopment.

California's Redevelopment Law requires that no less than 20 percent of tax increment be used to increase, or improve, the supply of low- and moderate-income housing.

The RDA budget outlines expenditures for the city's seven redevelopment project areas:

Central; Downtown; Los Altos; North Long Beach; Poly High; West Beach; and West Long Beach.

The North and Central areas are expected to yield some of the biggest changes for the upcoming year.

With a fiscal year 2007 budget that totals more than $28 million, several projects are taking hold in the Central Project Area.

The agency has big plans this year for the Menorah Senior Housing project at the northwest corner of Atlantic Avenue and Vernon Street.

The $14.7 million project includes the development of 66 units of affordable senior housing.

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2007.

The project could be expanded, and Beck said the focus is currently on including medical offices and possible work force housing.

"We want to leverage the development of Memorial Hospital," Beck said, referring to Memorial Medical Center's planned $276 million expansion.

Under the expansion plan, Miller Children's Hospital will build a four-story, 120,000- square-foot addition with seven surgical suites, 48 neonatal beds and 28 general pediatric beds. The Medical Center also plans to realign entrances, build a utility trench and construct a central plant building. It is also asking for several zoning changes and variances.

The plan could take 10 to 15 years to complete.

Construction is already under way on Site 1 of the West Gateway project between 3rd and 4th streets and Golden and Maine avenues.

The $24.8 million project is expected to provide 64 affordable housing units and should be complete sometime in 2007, Beck said.

North projects
In the North Long Beach project area, Admiral Kidd Park at Willard Street and Santa Fe Avenue will undergo landscaping to improve the park under a $6.7 million project expected to begin this winter.

The North Village project figures into the budgets, though it may take longer than a year to see some changes.

Expect to see changes on Atlantic Avenue just north of South Street on both sides of the street.

Existing buildings there are slated for removal and a historic theater is to be adapted for reuse under a project expected eventually to yield a new library with traditional library services featuring a community room that could also be used for art galleries. The library could also include an Internet cafe, Beck said, adding, "It would be a kind of a Borders books with a community center."

The $25 million-plus project could have a groundbreaking within a year.

The North area benefited from higher tax increment figures than originally believed. Revenue for the North are now projected to reach $37 million for 2007.

"Now it appears that those projects can be fully funded," said Martha Thuente, chair of the North Project Area Committee.

"I think North's time has come," she said.

Downtown projects
A focus on downtown continues, with several projects on The Promenade under way or set to break ground.

Construction on the Hotel Esterel, formerly the D'Orsay Embassy Suites, is expected to begin in the fall. The long-delayed project at Broadway and The Promenade is expected to yield a 155-room, 6-story hotel by sometime in 2007.

Construction on the 22-story high-rise Edgewater on Ocean residential development, 155 residential condominium units at the southeast corner of Ocean Boulevard and Pine Avenue, is also set to begin in fall and wrap up in 2008.

Completion is expected on both towers of West Ocean, at 400 W. Ocean Blvd., this year. Tower 1 will have 132 units in 29 floors and Tower 2 will have 114 units in 20 floors. Retail space totaling 3,569 square feet will be on the project's street level.

Construction on the Press-Telegram Lofts at 604 Pine Ave. is also expected to begin this year. The adaptive reuse is expected to provide work force housing, plus up to 60 units for tenure-track faculty at Cal State Long Beach.

Lyon Realty's apartment project on the north portion of the block, bounded by The Promenade, 3rd Street and Long Beach Blvd is expected to begin this year, and yield 104 apartments. Don Jergler can be reached at don.jergler@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1281.

[LAMetroGuy]

Updated the first page with the Hotel Esterel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Untitled1Large.jpg

http://www.studio213.com/watermark.php?i=1453

[LAMetroGuy]

Spruce Goose dome may get `Laserium'
By Wendy Thomas Russell, Staff writer



LONG BEACH - It was Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose that inspired the construction of the expansive geodesic dome in downtown Long Beach 25 years ago. Now, another Howard hopes to bring tourists back inside with a decidedly more modern attraction: lasers.

Howard Ehrenberg, a bankruptcy trustee for Queen's Seaport Development Inc., which leases and runs the Queen Mary and the former Spruce Goose hangar, announced plans Tuesday to turn the unused portion of the dome into the Laserium - an updated version of the show once featured at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.

The attraction is expected to be renamed the "Cyberdome Laserium."

"I have signed a lease to bring the Laserium laser light show into the dome," Ehrenberg said, adding that the show would be running by late fall, barring any problems attaining city permits.

The announcement came as a court hearing in QSDI's bankruptcy case publicized the most recent appraisal of the company's lease with the city. That appraisal concluded that the lease to run the historic ship was worth $48 million, Ehrenberg said, and would be worth $56 million after the completion of an environmental impact report.

QSDI, which has leased the Queen Mary and its surrounding land from the city since 1993, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year amid growing legal and financial problems surrounding rent the city claimed it was owed. Until Ehrenberg was appointed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as interim CEO in April, the case had been languishing with no resolution in sight.

Ehrenberg's duties have included negotiating with the company's creditors, opening an auction-style sale of the company through confidential bids, and overseeing general operations of the city's largest tourist attraction.

So far, he said, QSDI has already stabilized significantly.

"The bills are being paid, we have money in the bank, and we are even building up a modest reserve," he said.

The laser light show would be Ehrenberg's first major contribution to QSDI's event lineup.

Ivan Dryer, creator and founder of Laserium and the CEO of Laserium Interactive Corp., said the "Cyberdome Laserium" would incorporate lasers, videos, pictures and sounds through a patented technology called LightDancer, which his company has acquired.

He described a platform with sensors and an infrared light source that would trigger changes to the video, lights and sounds when someone moved around on the platform.

"When you move around the LightDancer," Dryer said, "you're essentially a VJ, a DJ and a laserist without even thinking about it."

His Van Nuys-based company already uses a prototype of LightDancer and would make the "Cyberdome" its flagship location, he said.

About 40 percent of the dome - which was vacated by the Spruce Goose in 1993 - is now partially used as a passenger terminal for Carnival Cruise Lines. The other 60 percent is used for filming, storage and occasionally for conferences.

That space, Ehrenberg said, would still be available for conferences - at least initially.

Dryer said long-term plans include expanding the show to include a dome theater and 1,500-seat arena, as well as an interactive museum and an overhead "spherical screen" for larger laser shows.

Ehrenberg sees the dome plans as good news for a company that has seen its share of bad news lately.

QSDI is involved in several legal disputes, including one with the city involving $5 million of rent credits.

QSDI's $48 million appraisal, made public Tuesday, was conducted at a cost of $50,000 and driven by a motion filed by QSDI's primary lender and biggest creditor, Bar-K, Ehrenberg said.

Bar-K's motion would have essentially dismissed QSDI from bankruptcy, foreclosed on QSDI's interest in the lease and taken over the operation of the ship. But the court ruled that there was enough "equity cushion," based on the lease's appraisal, to offer plenty of protection to Bar-K.

In short, the court found, Bar-K - which is owed roughly $24 million - eventually will get its money back when the lease is sold.

Wendy Thomas Russell can be reached at russellwendy.@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1272.

[regboi21]

Does anybody know when the developer is going to start demolition of the parking lots and construction of the mta block 22 and 14 story condo buildings and whats the update on the acres of books site including the whole block and the bank of america and the city hall east buildings.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

So the city is not that fast but it's progressing with the Art Exchange... this is from todays "Gazette". You can go to longbeach.gov and what the city council meeting talk about this subject.

Art Project Downtown New Target

By Kurt Helin
Editor

Plans to bring an Art Exchange building downtown are moving ahead after the City Council unanimously approved the next step in the process last week.

But what had been expected to be a non-controversial item became a more than hour-long discussion of the lack of affordable housing in Long Beach and how to bring more of it to downtown.

The city can now negotiate with two different developers — Toll Brothers and Williams & Dame Development — to develop “the Broadway block” east of Long Beach Boulevard, between Broadway and Third.

It is considered a key block because it is adjacent to the MTA and City Hall East developments, both considered key to the growth of downtown and the East Village. Second District Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal said that those three developments really need to be considered as one.

“This is a block that I’m eagerly looking forward to its development,” Lowenthal said.

But a host of public speakers — as well as some council members — wanted to make sure that affordable housing for lower income families was part of the project.

“While the city has an obvious interest in gaining maximum sales value for the land, we hope that the interest of putting shelter over the heads of our lowest income residents will outweigh that,” said Suzanne Brown, a housing attorney for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

While the council had already directed city staff to look into adding affordable housing for the City Hall East and MTA projects, it was not a part of this request.

That was in part because to make the Arts Building idea — a building where artists can live, work and sell their art — work for developers, the city already is going to have to sell the land at a discounted rate, said City Manager Jerry Miller.

Still, the City Council wants to at least look at the idea.

“We’re not building housing our families can afford,” said Seventh District Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga. She went on to cite figures saying the city has met only 29% of its low income housing goals while being well over capacity for higher income brackets.

Uranga made a motion asking the city manager to come back with a report to the council about the feasibility of having affordable or mixed-income housing in the Broadway block project, along with City Hall East and the MTA space.

The vote to move forward with developer negotiations was unanimous. The low income report passed 7-2. Third District Councilman Gary DeLong and Sixth District Councilwoman Laura Richardson voted no.

[LAMetroGuy]

Thanks InsExchLoft_dweller... I really hope that Toll Brothers gets this one... it looks more dramatic and has more visual interest than Williams & Dame. Either way, both are pretty cool. I think Williams & Dame had two versions, a high-density version and a minimual density version... if they get it I hope they go with the high-density versioin. I wish they would hurry the process~!

[longbeachnik]

So many changes to my beloved city...keep the updates up!

[LAMetroGuy]

longbeachnik, where have you been????

[LAMetroGuy]

Does anybody know when the developer is going to start demolition of the parking lots and construction of the mta block 22 and 14 story condo buildings and whats the update on the acres of books site including the whole block and the bank of america and the city hall east buildings.


That won't happen until 2007 or 2008. They have to do an EIR then a design review, answer all the NIMBYs concerns... and then they can break ground... takes forever!