Results from the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) led community outreach regarding the Civic Center Request for Proposal (RFP) were released today, announced President & CEO Kraig Kojian. The summary includes feedback from community meetings held in January and March that demonstrate a demand for open space, public facilities, safe and easy access, and more.
“Long Beach stakeholders care deeply about their community and how the fabric of Downtown grows and evolves over time,” added DLBA Public Realm Committee Chair Brian Ulaszewski. “They understand how the elements of a new Civic Center would enhance the urban experience in Downtown Long Beach and it is our responsibility to elevate that discussion to the appropriate decision-makers.”
The feedback obtained at the community forums has been compiled in the recently released “Stakeholder Outreach Summary for the Long Beach Civic Center.” Highlights of community member’s vision for the Civic Center contained in the summary include:
- Safe and inviting public spaces that offer seating, eating areas, public art, and also provide places for people to relax, socialize, and recreate
- Public gathering spaces that accommodate fairs, festivals, and other events that draw people to the Civic Center and create a sense of place in Downtown Long Beach
- State of the art main library and facilities that provide art, education and cultural programs for residents of all ages
- Adaptive reuse of the existing city hall and main library structures
- Entertainment and events including music, theater, art, farmers market, and festivals
- A convenient pedestrian network that includes shade trees, lighting, and wayfinding signage
- A civic center that represents the uniqueness of Long Beach and the people who live here
The City of Long Beach is in the process of identifying a development team to design, build, finance, and operate a new Civic Center on a 15.87 acre site located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. Starting in January, the DLBA began community outreach efforts to engage stakeholders in the RFP process. The DLBA has provided the City and development team finalists the input that was collected at both community forums. Proposals from the development teams are due to the City on June 2 with the selection of the preferred proposer expected to occur at the July 1 City Council meeting.
“The feedback we are receiving from stakeholders can be applied to all elements of the public realm,” shared Kojian. “Best practices in urban design support increased accessibility, multimodal transportation options and an emphasis on open space. We look forward to working collaboratively with the selected development team, City staff and our stakeholders to effectively implement these recommendations.”
To read the full summary or learn about future opportunities for input, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org/civic-center or call 562.436.4259. To learn more about the Long Beach Civic Center development project or Request for Proposal (RFP) process, please visit www.LBCivicCenter.com.