Long Beach Revitalization Hits Historic Properties

Pacific 6 has acquired two historic buildings in Downtown Long Beach with plans to renovate and revitalize the assets. The projects are part of the ongoing renaissance in Downtown Long Beach. The two properties include the Breakers, a landmark hotel, and Ocean Center. Both are among the oldest in Downtown Long Beach. AEI Consultants is assisting Pacific 6 in redeveloping the projects.

“The redevelopment efforts will respect the properties’ heritage while making the buildings fresh and ready for contemporary use,” Holly Neber, CEO, AEI Consultants, tells GlobeSt.com. “Developers who embark upon these projects are not only taking on a tremendous challenge, but are also performing a significant service for area residents by giving older properties renewed life. It’s enormously rewarding to be involved in projects that pay homage to the original structures while infusing them with modern-day functionality and beauty.”

The Breakers is a 100-year-old hotel, and Pacific 6 plans to update it and transform the property into a boutique hotel. The project has already received planning commission approval to begin construction. “The Breakers Hotel and Ocean Center are two of Long Beach’s oldest buildings, so being asked to help with their restoration was really a no-brainer for us,” says Neber. “We’re honored to have a hand in making these buildings relevant for current and future generations of Long Beach residents as well as visitors to the area.”

Ocean Center is a former office building, and Pacific 6 plans on transforming it into an apartment building. It is currently in the pre-approval process to perform the renovation. “At Ocean Center, Pacific6 will transform an obsolete office building into an of-the-moment apartment community, which is working to fulfill the need for housing in the Long Beach market,” says Neber. “Keep in mind that neither property has been operational for several years, so these projects are greatly benefitting the City of Long Beach by making the buildings usable and attractive again.” Both projects are aimed at attracting millennials in the market.

Renovating historic properties is challenging, and as a result, many historic properties are passed over for renovation. They require an experienced developer to handle. “Redeveloping historic properties requires a great amount of delicacy, expertise, patience, and a workable plan to preserve certain elements. You need to go into the project knowing what you’re doing as well as what to do when something unexpected arises,” says Neber. “Many historic buildings have been around for so long that they have “hidden surprises”—both good and bad—that only reveal themselves after the redevelopment efforts have begun. Developers who undertake these projects must be prepared to meet any challenges they might encounter in a manner that is both sensitive to the historical significance of the project and cost- and time-efficient for all involved.”