LONG BEACH, CA-Lyon Communities has unveiled a new 291-unit luxury apartment development called gallery421 that replaces a full city block of aging commercial buildings and surface parking. The new complex at 421 W. Broadway, designed by KTGY Group Inc. Architecture and Planning, is within walking distance of dining, entertainment, shopping, parks, schools and transportation. It is Newport Beach-based Lyon Communities' third luxury community in Downtown Long Beach.

In addition to the residential units, the project features 16,000 square feet of street-level retail space. Rents start at $1,750 for a one-bedroom apartment at the five-story apartment complex on West Broadway, which also includes units of one-bedroom plus den, two bedrooms and two-story townhomes.

David Obitz, principal of KTGY and gallery421's lead designer, describes the design of the units as spacious with open and airy high ceilings, "drawing in a lot of natural light, which reduces residents' utility costs." He says the project is the only one of its kind in the area to offer such urban, mixed-use living.

The project location, near the end of the 710 Freeway, is described as convenient for renters who work in Long Beach, as well as those with jobs in Downtown Los Angeles and central Orange County. The location is a short distance from the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach Sports Arena the Queen Mary and other attractions, as well as dining, shopping, entertainment and special events like the annual Grand Prix, which takes place nearby.

Among the common area amenities at the complex, in addition to its luxury unit interiors, are a business and conference center with Wi-Fi, HDTV and teleconferencing, billiards room, card room, a dog-grooming room, an on-site art gallery, a coffee bar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a private movie theatre, a game room with WiiTM, a fitness center and an exterior TV wall. In addition, gallery421 includes open spaces, a resort-style pool and spa, barbecue grills, private balconies, concierge services, outdoor seating with a TV and bar area plus fireplace areas with seating and private cabanas. Wi-Fi access available in all outdoor areas, private underground parking with controlled entry access and other features.

With the opening of the new complex, Lyon Communities now owns and operates almost 700 luxury apartment units in Long Beach as part of a portfolio of more than 11,000 units in California, Colorado, Georgia and Florida. Lyon also owns the Lofts at Promenade and 1900 Ocean, an 18-story oceanfront high-rise. The Lofts at Promenade was also designed by KTGY.