I'm all for art. As a Long Beach artist I am happy to hear that a plan is in the works for a downtown Art Exchange, but genuinely sad that Acres of Books was lost because of the impending development of that corner. (Streamline Meets Modern/Theo Douglas) AOB was a gem in this city that I had come to love like it had a life of its own, and to see it all papered up and empty breaks my heart. The fact that the "false teeth"-like facade is redeemed by the character in the brick walls and steel trusses is a sad misconception. The character was in the books, the dust, the people, the HISTORY. But hell, add more ugly blue grates and cookie-cutter condos. Good luck finding character in that.
RussRoca
· 10 months ago
I'm still bent that Terry's Camera closed and they very unceremoniously 'dozed the building.
Andy
· 10 months ago
I totally agree. .that's exactly what happens when there isn't a comprehensive plan for (re) development. It's actually possible that an art exchange, could've used that space as well. I'm still confused why chopping Acres in half and effectively turning it sideways makes a better art exchange.
Except that it gives developers a nice fat chunk of property to subdivide into tiny home cubicles.
I had a friend who was looking at downtown LB, but passed because all of the housing downtown are tiny little boxes. Seriously, has the RDA ever heard of real townhomes? That's what is next to the vaunted Torpedo Factory, and have been for, oh, several hundred years.
BTW the size of this "Art Exchange" is not going to allow for a large number of resident artists, and gallery space, and classroom space.
Another epic FAIL.
Andreas
· 10 months ago
The idea of the Art Exchange is way too literal. Why are we still trying to force an art scene down the throat of the east village. The east village "arts" district has never taken off but here we are still trying to force it. Guys, it doesn't work like this. Stop trying so hard and perhaps it or something else meaningful and sustainable will develop organically versus being driven by government interests.
KaRi
· 6 months ago
Update: Meet June 30th at MoLAA 5:30pm to learn more about the Art Exchange from the Redevelopment Agency..
All Comments
Except that it gives developers a nice fat chunk of property to subdivide into tiny home cubicles.
I had a friend who was looking at downtown LB, but passed because all of the housing downtown are tiny little boxes. Seriously, has the RDA ever heard of real townhomes? That's what is next to the vaunted Torpedo Factory, and have been for, oh, several hundred years.
BTW the size of this "Art Exchange" is not going to allow for a large number of resident artists, and gallery space, and classroom space.
Another epic FAIL.