Long Beach Boulevard Infill Analysis and Redevelopment Study

Working for the City of Long Beach as part of the Compass Blueprint Demonstration Project Program, Fregonese Associates conducted an in-depth analysis of the potential for transit-oriented infill and redevelopment around the Metro Blue Line light rail stations along Long Beach Boulevard. Long Beach Boulevard has a legacy as a transit corridor connecting Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.  But since the streetcar heyday of the 1920’s, the rise of the automobile has changed the character of the corridor dramatically. This study assessed the potential for a revival of a transit-oriented, mixed-use and economically vital corridor.

Existing parking standards and restrictive height limitations on significant portions of the corridor have limited the feasibility of developing the type of mixed-use buildings the City wanted to see. If parking requirements were reduced to urban standards and allowable height increased from four to six stories, the market dynamics would tip in favor of mixed-use infill rather than single-story fast food chains and shopping centers with large parking lots.

The results of the analysis pointed to a few key changes that could spur significant investment along Long Beach Boulevard. Tailoring development regulations to maximize the ability of the private market to produce the mixed-use products would allow the City to spend on priorities such as affordable housing, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, parks, street trees and beautification.

For more information, visit the project website.