Developers and the City of Long Beach agreed to enter into exclusive negotiations over the potential development of the historic armory building in Downtown.

Preliminary plans for the 80-year-old National Guard outpost call for the existing building being converted to office space and performing arts space for neighboring St. Anthony’s High School, as well as the public.

The parking lot adjacent to the armory building could be developed into workforce housing with dozens of one bedroom or studio apartments being set aside as affordable housing.

The council voted unanimously to approve the city team’s negotiations with the potential development group, which includes St. Anthony’s, Howard CDM and Pacific 6.

Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, whose district includes the armory building, said that the project has the ability to both increase access to affordable housing in the city but also activate neighboring Gumbiner Park, which has been a gathering spot for homeless individuals and has seen some violence.

“I feel that with this project its really going to elevate it and give the park an opportunity to thrive as it was intended,” Zendejas said.

The vote sets in motion a 90-day negotiating window in which staff and the development team can work through unresolved issues with the project, namely the fact that the developer wants to purchase the property while the city’s listing was for a lease.

If any agreement is reached between the two sides, the project would likely face months, if not years, of public scrutiny as it winds its way through the approval process, including the city’s Planning Commission, before heading back to the City Council for final approval.

Editor’s note: Pacific6 is the parent company of Pacific Community Media, which owns the Long Beach Post. You can read more about the Post ownership here.