If we examine those cities that have experienced revitalization over the past decade, a number of common themes emerge. One hallmark of recent urban revitalization has been investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, dense residential development, arts districts, and improvements in public transit. Another tool frequently employed in revitalizing downtowns across North America has been mixed-use development.

 

The term “mixed use” refers to structures that integrate two or more land-use types, most often some combination of commercial and residential use. Typically, such mixed-use structures have restaurants, retail, or some other commercial use on the ground floor, with office space or domestic residential units above. This reflects one of the most common aspirations for urban dwellers—the corner café or art gallery, with lofts above. Yet while this vision of “live, work and play” is a dream for many and widely recognized as crucial to the collective reemergence of urban centers, for others it is a nightmare, one of the constant pains of urban living. It must be implemented effectively, but this is easier said than done.

 

One key to properly implementing mixed-use design is to seek patterns of use that result in a relatively consistent level of social activity throughout the day and week. Such a synergistic concentration of usages—so that within a compact area residents, diners, shoppers, visitors, and others intermingle but also alternate during the day—makes more efficient use of exiting infrastructure, from parking structures to park space. It also creates a more vibrant environment, as people with varied purposes and backgrounds fuse into the life of a city.

 

Of course, with any concentration of diverse users come questions of responsibility on the part of city governments and urbanites themselves. Indeed, the integration of land uses is not inevitably liberating: it can create problems. This is why, for instance, zoning codes exist to attempt to address tensions between uses in close proximity. City governments might not allow certain types of development in certain areas, or restrict how certain types of development operate so as to limit negative impacts. Even with those measures, conflicts still often arise, as single incidents or as recurring dilemmas. But while cities can do their best to create regulatory frameworks for mixed-use developments, the success of these urban environments really lies in a combination of managing expectations and consciousness of one’s neighbors.

 

For instance, when someone moves into the top floor of a mixed-use development, she or he should be aware of what activities might take place below them (even if that space is currently vacant). A restaurateur might find that location especially desirable—a more intensive use than, say, a real estate agent’s office. Conversely, anyone thinking about opening a business on the ground floor of such a mixed-use space should consider, given their upstairs neighbors, potential limitations to their operations—whether officially written into city code or not.

 

The principle of being a good neighbor is universally valid, but takes on heightened meaning in a mixed-use context. When a single structure is shared, insulated walls, floors, and ceilings are effective only to a certain extent. In such an environment, being a good neighbor includes maintaining constant lines of communication, both for emergencies for keeping in touch on an ongoing basis.

 

These rather abstract principles for ensuring mixed-use environments succeed are relevant for our city today. Despite the economic downturn, downtown Long Beach is experiencing the arrival of some new businesses operating in mixed-use buildings, with residences above. For instance, the coffee shop and art gallery Sipology opened in April 2009 in the corner commercial space of the Broadlind building (at the intersection of Broadway and Linden). This was a welcome addition to a very important street corner within the East Village Arts District, one taking advantage of a beautiful and historic space. The kitchen is tucked into the back corner of the café, a series of rooms doubling as lounge area and art gallery line the building’s edge, and a mezzanine upstairs provides one of the best people-watching locations downtown. The ambient music from the café seems to do little to offend residents living on the upper floors of the Broadlind building.

 

Unfortunately, most nights around 9pm, café patrons are disturbed by the bass sound thumping through the floor as the Basement Ultra Lounge below opens for business. Originally conceived as a sophisticated evening lounge, this venue has evolved into a night club that competes with the clubs of Pine Avenue’s entertainment district. Between the noise and unruly club-goers, the Basement Ultra Lounge has become a continual grievance for the residents above, eventually requiring city arbitration. The owners of Sipology could perhaps soon be adding their name to those unhappy with their loud neighbor.

 

Like most businesses selling alcohol, the Basement Ultra Lounge does have a conditional use permit, but this permit mandates a number of measures to limit the club’s impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Obviously, regardless of regulations the operators of this establishment should be considerate of their neighbors. It should be kept in mind that downtown Long Beach is not just the largest employment center in the city and possesses perhaps the largest concentration of restaurants: downtown Long Beach is also one of the densest residential communities in the city. Its success as a vibrant urban center hinges on residents and businesses acting as good neighbors. “Mixed use” areas only work when the “mixing” is done right. The solution is not segregating use; it is not a future of office parks, shopping centers and housing subdivisions, where never they shall meet. With common sense and proper oversight, mixed-use developments can continue to contribute to Long Beach’s vibrant urban fabric.