// THE LOOP // a wandering

// THE LOOP // a wandering

Location: Ocean Boulevard + Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA

GPS Coordinates: 33.7701° N, 118.1937° W

Season: SPRING

The corner of Pine Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, CA, once home to the grand Jurgens Trust Building, left vacant and in a state of perpetual decay, is now home to an effervescent, community engaging, bold public open space, THE LOOP: the next generation urban activation platform bringing together the latest in building technology, programmatic activation, and visual impact to create a one of a kind urban oasis. A power team formed by Stereobot, Gensler, and Brightview Group set out re-imagine the possibilities of public open space and bring back to the community a dormant site in the core of Downton Long Beach. The newly opened park at the intersection of Pine and Ocean is equal part oasis, urban connector, and community platform. THE LOOP will function as a dynamic activation stage, hosting weekly and seasonal events including leisure and health activities as well as art and cultural happenings. Initiated through the vision of both Mayor Robert Garcia and Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, shepherded by Board Chair Michelle Molina, President, CEO Kraig Kojian, and Project Manager Sean Warner of the Downtown Long Beach Associates, THE LOOP represents the future of urban activation, civic engagement, and public-private partnerships in Long Beach. THE LOOP embodies a tremendous opportunity to celebrate and promote the culture, vibrancy, and creativity of the Long Beach community. Realized in a record development time, the project brings together Stereobot’s state of the art space-frame technology and bold design approach, Gensler’s in-depth urban strategy perspective, and Brightview Design Group’s landscaping expertise to resolve the unique challenges of urban site reclamation and synthetize the ambitious goals of community building. THE LOOP is organized around two large gathering areas to the east and west of the site linked together by central oasis garden. A brightly colored sculptural space-truss gives form to the space while articulating a secure railing system and 3 large-scale gateways connecting to east-west pedestrian traffic and the Long Beach Convention Center to the south. A central portal overlooks the waterfront and provide a unique vantage point to seasonal sporting events including the Long Beach Grand Prix and Long Beach Marathon. Lunch break Yoga, dance, music performances, lectures, and food trucks will dot the weekly activation schedule to complement the community experience. At night the park is activated by a series of unique light and sound choreographies designed to for each day of the week with the aim of extending the use of the parklet beyond sunset and creating a vibrant night atmosphere. The intersection of Pine Avenue and Ocean Boulevard rests at the confluence of the local community heart of Downtown and the businesses and tourist district centered on the Convention Center. The opportunity is clear. THE LOOP holds the power to transform not just this single corner, but to be catalyst between Downtown, the convention center, and the waterfront. This exceptional example of public-private partnership represents a commitment to building resilient communities and promoting design and culture as a part of this innovative, tactical approach to community building.

cheers.

brian_glodney photography