Long Beach also gets serious about its downtown (article)

[GatsbyGatz]

^On that same note, just as DTLA has become a hotbed for residential development, I think Downtown Long Beach could become the second focal point for some major residential development in the SoCal region. LB could be to DTLA what Oakland is to SF. The huge plus factor for DTLB is that it's by the coast, located on the beach, and has cruise ships sailing in which would benefit tourism.

If LB had as many skyscrapers as DTLA, I'd personally prefer LB due to its better location. Just saying.

[shapeshift]

The new 'pike' seems so out of place.. Turning the once amusement center into a cookie cutter outlet mall area.. Large national retailers like gap and forever 21 could have opened up at city place which is a much more appropriate location.. Instead, there's a Ross, Payless, and Walmart.. Not surprising however, considering the current demographic in the area.. But its slowly and gradually changing.. I wonder if the lease will be up soon for these businesses? There were once talk about bringing back the cyclone at the pike.. I guess thats not going to happen...

Gatsbygatz, I don't think LB is aiming to compete with DTLA for who builds the most skyscrapers.. LB is a coastal city, too many high rises would only block the ocean view.. Although, DTLB could use a few more.. Id much prefer it if DTLB was actually located more inland and developed a vibrant coastal community of mixed residential and commercial.. I personally think Redondo Beach has a much more scenic seaside community than LB.. It just has a much more 'beach city' vibe to it than LB..