The Pacific in Downtown Long Beach has a more “sophisticated and timeless” design than Sares-Regis Group’s two other multi-family projects underway in Long Beach, according to David Powers, the company’s senior vice president of residential development. Whereas the other projects – The Linden and The Alamitos – utilize bright colors and edgier design features to mesh with the East Village Arts District’s creative and artistic vibe, Powers explained that The Pacific has a different target audience.

David Powers, The Pacific
Preleasing is underway at The Pacific, a 163-unit apartment building in Downtown Long Beach, with the first tenants expected to be moved in by the end of the year, according to David Powers, senior vice president of residential development for Sares-Regis Group. (Photograph by Brandon Richardson)

“We think there’s going to be more of a market for people who work in corporate offices here and who want something not quite as brash and loud,” Powers said. “The interiors at The Linden [are] really loud with a lot of movement in the wallpaper, the art is very Pop-y – a bit of a younger, funkier feel. Here, it’s just more sophisticated.”

The Pacific consists of 163 units in a seven-story building at 230 W. 3rd St. in Downtown Long Beach, one block from the new Billie Jean King Main Library. The project features studio, one- and two-bedroom residences and 17 of the units are designated as affordable. Some one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments include a loft space to maximize square footage. Studio apartments have an average square footage of 745 square feet. One-bedroom apartments range from 683 to 996 square feet, with rents ranging from $2,300 to $3,500. Two-bedroom units range from 1,008 to 1,478 square feet, with rents from $3,400 to $4,900.

“All the way around we have . . . lofty, two-story stoop units [apartments with direct street access]. In the very back facing the AMLI project, we’ve got two-story, two-bedroom townhomes,” Powers said, explaining that ground floor units have front doors that exit directly onto the street. AMLI Park Broadway is a 222-unit apartment building south of The Pacific. “So it’s really residential going all the way around instead of any kind of commercial, which is a little bit different. We think that’s going to help activate the street, liven up things – and some people like having that direct access out onto the sidewalk.”

The Pacific offers numerous amenities for residents, including a fitness center on the ground floor. A deck area on the third floor will feature a pool and spa, as well as a clubhouse, a party cabana, an outdoor kitchen and seating. The deck faces the AMLI residential development to the south, so a green wall made out of hedges, as well as TVs, will be added to give The Pacific’s residents a backdrop other than the adjacent apartment building, not to mention more privacy when lounging poolside. A rooftop deck is also featured, which Powers said will likely be completed after residents have moved in. The roof deck will have an indoor and outdoor clubhouse with TVs, a kitchen and games.

Prior to the development of The Pacific and AMLI projects, community members voiced concerns about constructing mid-rise buildings across from the First Congregational Church of Long Beach. Powers explained that to be “respectful” of the historic site, the west end of The Pacific is not as tall as the rest of the building and that the design features are not as dramatic as on the east end.

Preleasing is underway for The Pacific and the first tenants are expected to be moved in by the end of the year once the project is completed, Powers noted. With The Linden already 95% occupied, Powers said he expects similar trends at The Pacific. He anticipates the project to be fully leased by fall 2020 and, due to Long Beach’s central location to both Los Angeles and Orange county markets, he expects it to be attractive to couples who commute to both areas. The Alamitos, the company’s third Long Beach project, is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2020, a month or two after The Pacific.

“[Long Beach] has a downtown, urban area right next to the beach, which is very unique. It’s a great town that has gotten overlooked in the past and I think everybody’s starting to notice,” Powers said regarding company’s decision to develop three residential projects simultaneously in the downtown area. “The city has done a great job making it a very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. It’s changing rapidly for the better and it’s proven itself.”

Brandon Richardson is a reporter and photojournalist for the Long Beach Post and Long Beach Business Journal.