The 1930s Long Beach Armory, which has been vacant for years, will finally be revived as construction for a new affordable housing complex recently began at the historic location.<\/p>\n
Linc Housing, a Long Beach nonprofit developer, started construction on the project, dubbed the Armory Arts Collective, last week. When completed, the complex will bring 64 units of affordable housing to seniors in Long Beach\u2019s East Village Arts District.<\/p>\n
The development, 854 E. Seventh St., will add five stories of new residential construction to the long-vacant former armory building, and will provide housing to low-income seniors ages 55 and older who make 30% to 70% of the area median income, according to a Linc Housing press release.<\/p>\n
Originally constructed in 1930 and encompassing about 26,500 square feet, the armory served the state for nearly nine decades before it was decommissioned in 2018, according to the press release.<\/p>\n
The redevelopment will retain and restore the building\u2019s 1930s art deco architectural character, officials said. Linc Housing plans to pursue a historical landmark designation for the original armory structure as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cDevelopments like Armory Arts Collective show what\u2019s possible when we align housing production with equity, sustainability and preservation,\u201d Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. \u201cBy reactivating a historic landmark and adding new density near transit, we\u2019re expanding affordable housing options for older adults on fixed incomes, while strengthening the long-term livability and economic resilience of the city of Long Beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cArmory Arts Collective,\u201d the mayor added, \u201creflects our commitment to ensuring that longtime residents can continue to age with dignity in the community they call home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Armory Arts Collective will feature 64 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including a manager\u2019s unit, according to the press release. Half of the homes will be fully wheelchair accessible, and several will incorporate features to accommodate residents with hearing or visual impairments.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether with the community, we have taken an important step to address homelessness in downtown by breaking ground on the Armory Arts Collective,\u201d First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas said in a statement. \u201cThis holistic development next to Gumbiner Park will transform the surrounding neighborhood by creating an elevated environment that feels engaging and safe through its design, marking a significant milestone in our dedication to responsible and community-centered development with a focus on housing our most vulnerable communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Linc will also convert portions of the historic armory into resident-focused amenities, including a community room, arts and crafts studio, health and wellness space, and bicycle storage.<\/p>\n
Residents will also have access to a courtyard and outdoor deck designed to foster connection and community, officials said. A resident services coordinator will bring programs and activities to the community spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cArmory Arts Collective demonstrates how we can preserve Long Beach\u2019s historic legacy while delivering high-quality, affordable homes for seniors who are increasingly priced out of the communities they helped build,\u201d Suny Lay Chang, president and chief operating officer of Linc Housing, said in a statement. \u201cBy reactivating this site in the heart of the East Village Arts District, we\u2019re blending history, housing and community investment in one landmark location, advancing Linc\u2019s mission to build inclusive communities where people can thrive.<\/p>\n
The Armory Arts Collective will be the sixth housing community the developer has worked on in Long Beach. Linc Housing representatives and city officials celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, March 17.<\/p>\n
Funding for the development comes from a variety of sources, officials said, including $6.5 million from the Long Beach Community Investment Company, a $5.2 million loan from the city, and $6.2 million from the California Department of Housing and Community Development\u2019s Multifamily Housing Program and Infill Infrastructure Grant program, among others.<\/p>\n