Long Beach Exchange

Long Beach, CA

A Retail Destination Takes Flight

Long Beach Exchange is a dynamic experiential retail and dining destination within the Douglas Park planned development in Long Beach, California.

Comprised of both core and shell space, the center was recently improved to include 260,000 square feet of retail offerings spanning 17 buildings, including tilt-up structures with paneled roof systems, wood framed structures, and prefab metal hangar buildings.

IDEA

Themed to celebrate the City’s rich history in aviation, the center features a 26-acre public gathering area, including wood decking, hard-scape, attractive pavers, precast seat walls and a unique architectural fountain designed and constructed by OTL.

The fountain features a series of modern, angled basins with intricate stainless steel structures, each of which is topped with one of several airplane sculptures the City of Long Beach commissioned over a decade prior.

In the initial planning stages, the aviation-themed vision for the fountain and project was revealed, however budget restraints were placing pressure on the development.  OTL’s design and engineering team explored value engineering options that were successful in preserving the intended vision of the project, while lowering costs.

OTL also helped the development team to navigate potential challenges in the site’s existing concrete, which was prone to stress fractures. By collaborating with our concrete specialists, our team was able to change the specified concrete mix and employ steel reinforcement to reduce the risk of fractures.

OTL also gave the development team an opportunity to see first-hand how the fountain would contribute to the overall look and feel of the project.

IMPACT

Long Beach Exchange is owned by LBX Douglas Retail Fee Owner, LLC. OTL worked closely with RLA – Ridge Landscape Architects, DRA Architects, and general contractor Snyder Langston to bring this project to life.

The project is located at 4150 McGowen Street, Long Beach CA 92808.