Renderings of scrambler crosswalks at Pine Ave. and 1st St.
Between the Federal Bar opening on its south end and the Press-Telegram and Meeker-Baker buildings’ repurposing near the north, the last year has been transformative for the structures and businesses along Long Beach’s Pine Avenue. And starting next year, these small steps towards Downtown’s Renaissance will be complemented by a major update to the street’s facade.
Called the “Pine Avenue Improvement Project,” the long-awaited plan will replace sidewalks, install new pedestrian-friendly landscaping and install modern amenities such as scrambler crosswalks and removeable bollards over 15 blocks of Pine Ave., from Seaside Way to Anaheim St. City officials say it’s the first reconstruction of Long Beach’s original Main Street in more than 23 years.
“Pine Avenue is an iconic thoroughfare that has served the region as a dining, shopping and entertainment destination for decades,” said Downtown Long Beach Associates CEO Kraig Kojian. “Over the last several years, we’ve seen an increase in business activity and residential growth and know that our street improvements will further enhance the Pine Avenue experience for all.”
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The current project represents a scaled-down version of the one originally envisioned for the stretch back when it began as a Long Beach Redevelopment Agency streetscape improvement plan in 2009. When RDAs across the state dissolved in 2012, the idea was shelved until funds were able to be culled from other sources.
Now, with $500,000 in capital improvement money from the DLBA along with additional help from Long Beach’s Department of Public Works, Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan Transit Authority and infrastructure funds from both the 1st and 2nd Council Districts, the Pine Avenue Improvement Project is again moving forward.
Renderings of the improvements to be done show the street divided into three sections: from Seaside Way to Ocean Blvd., from Ocean Blvd. to 7th St. and from 7th St. to Anaheim St. The designs for each section take into account the street’s uses, business-to-resident ratio and amenities necessary for future street activations.
The raised planters between Ocean Blvd. and 7th St., for example, will be removed to allow more pedestrian traffic on Pine’s busiest blocks. And removable bollards will also be placed at Broadway, 3rd St., 7th St. and 8th St., allowing for street closures to accomodate DLBA and Historic Old Pine Avenue events such as Summer and Music and Party on Pine. The street itself will also be re-paved with rubberized asphalt, a substance made from recycled car tires.
Long Beach Development Services and the DLBA are currently holding meetings with Downtown stakeholders to get their input on how and when construction should take place to best mitigate impacts on businesses and residents. Construction is expected to take nine months.
More information on the Pine Avenue Improvement Project is available at pineaveimprovement.com. The renderings are viewable below.