After nearly 75 years in downtown Long Beach, the iconic bookstore on 240 Long Beach Blvd. is no more after Oct. 18.
Owners Phil and Jackie Smith recently sold the 12,500 square-foot property at 240 Long Beach Blvd. to the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency for about $2.8 million.
They are making way for a mixed-used project being built around Broadway, Long Beach Boulevard, Third Street and Elm Avenue. The project - which officials say is key to connecting downtown to the East Village - calls for student housing, retail and an art center for classes, events and art displays.
Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Craig Beck said the agency has been in talks with Cal State Long Beach and hopes to sign an agreement with the university and secure a potential developer in the next few months.
The deal, struck in April after nearly two years of negotiations, allows the Smiths to stay at Acres rent-free until May 1 to give them time to either relocate or to close shop for good. But the option to relocate is looking unlikely, said Jackie Smith. Acres ' new home would have to be at least 10,000 square feet, available for purchase, have ample parking, be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and not located in a redevelopment area.
Owners Phil and Jackie Smith recently sold the 12,500 square-foot property at 240 Long Beach Blvd. to the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency for about $2.8 million.
They are making way for a mixed-used project being built around Broadway, Long Beach Boulevard, Third Street and Elm Avenue. The project - which officials say is key to connecting downtown to the East Village - calls for student housing, retail and an art center for classes, events and art displays.
Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Craig Beck said the agency has been in talks with Cal State Long Beach and hopes to sign an agreement with the university and secure a potential developer in the next few months.
The deal, struck in April after nearly two years of negotiations, allows the Smiths to stay at Acres rent-free until May 1 to give them time to either relocate or to close shop for good. But the option to relocate is looking unlikely, said Jackie Smith. Acres ' new home would have to be at least 10,000 square feet, available for purchase, have ample parking, be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and not located in a redevelopment area.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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