By Eric Gray | Downtown Long Beach has seen another string of major accomplishments throughout 2013. Here is a list of positive developments that took place in 2013. Stay tuned for 2014, because more good things are on the horizon:
1. The incredible final phase of the Promenade was completed early 2013 with sophisticated and successful small businesses serving the public such as Michael’s Pizzeria, Beachwood BBQ, Congregation Alehouse, Harvelle’s, The Stave, and the newest addition, Innovation and Design in Architecture, a full service architectural design firm.
2. Millworks completed its epic restoration of the former Press Telegram building with Molina Healthcare signing a multi-year lease ushering in 400 employees to Pine Avenue and 6th.
3. The George Deukmejian Courthouse has been completed and we are expecting to see new economic activity surrounding this architecturally stunning structure.
4. New restaurants have opened their doors in 2013 including Federal Bar, James Republic, Pier 76, Michaels Pizzeria, Bogart & Co., and The Breakfast Bar
5. Hamburger Mary’s made their bold move onto Pine Avenue and 3rd with a new more upscale space.
6. Successful and staple events have continued to flourish in Downtown Long Beach including the Promenade Beer and Wine Fest, Party on Pine Series, Summer and Music Festival, Zombie Walk, Taste of Downtown, 2nd Saturday Art Walk, Queen Mary’s Chill, Final Fridays, Third Fridays Twilight Walk, Winter in Willmore, and the Long Beach Folk Revival Festival among others.
7. The Pike is in the process of rebranding itself into a boutique outlet destination. They’ve landed their first high quality outlet destination store, Restoration Hardware.
8. Our fire hydrants went gold this year on Long Beach Boulevard from Ocean to Anaheim.
9. Enhancement work was done to Terrace Plaza which include new palm trees, lighting, signage, and paint.
10. The East Village has opened its doors to a number of new businesses including James Republic, Mona A La Moda, Southern Girl Bakery, Paper Crane Studio, Vaping USA, Susan Hammond Skin Care, Vivid Framing & Lighting, 1897LB, and more.
11. North Pine with the help of the Historic Pine Avenue Business Association (HOPA) and the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) has landed a number of new businesses into the area including Groundwork Fitness, Cross Fit Radius, Skin Diversity Spa, Public Beer and Wine Shop, and a new lease signed by the Press Telegram.
12. Although the Downtown Farmer’s Market had a rocky year, they have reopened at a new fantastic location on 3rd St. and Pacific Ave.
13. Significant tree plantings were done in the East Village and the North Pine area.
14. Cesar Chavez Park Children’s Gateway Garden led by the leadership of the Willmore City Heritage Association is on its way to full completion, transforming Cesar Chavez Park into a more beautiful, sustainable, and accessible space.
15. Work on the new Gerald Desmond Bridge has begun. When complete, it will be visible 500 feet in the air with bicycle pedestrian paths and scenic views.
16. Development projects currently under construction include the former American Hotel, Urban Village, and phase two of Molina Healthcare.
17. The Harvey Milk Park, Long Beach’s first park named after an openly gay person opened at Third Street and The Promenade in May.
18. The North Pine Neighborhood Association unveiled its new Welcome to Pine Avenue sign on Pine and 7th Street.
19. You may have noticed a few Street Performers trying out their chops in Downtown.
20. Both Cultural Arts Long Beach (CALB) and the Art Exchange (ARTX) continue to host successful art exhibits and community events.
21. The Pacific Ballroom at the Long Beach Arena had its grand opening in November unveiling a newly reengineered, innovative, and stunning space to accommodate a broad range of events in the City of Long Beach.
What’s in store for Downtown Long Beach in 2014? One of the most significant developments to occur will be the Pine Avenue Improvement Project slated to begin in January. This project will add new trees, street furniture, and lighting elements to Pine Avenue among other improvements such as street, sidewalk repair, and new crosswalks. Also look for development projects to make their way forward including Shoreline Gateway, Parc Broadway Lofts, Edison Lofts, and the completion of Pine Avenue’s newest multimillion dollar restaurant BO-Beau.
A strong Downtown benefits the entire City of Long Beach. I propose a toast, to all in Long Beach who help make the city a better place to live, work, and play.
Onward, ever, upward.
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