Props to developer Van Dijs, who embodies rare qualities of vision, sensitivity, and profitability. Nothing lasts forever, but recognizing the iconic nature of a single-screen neighborhood theatre and it's value in building a destination that enhances livability and economic viability. And thanks to the Linns who have saved this treasure for us.
Dave Wielenga
· 1 year ago
Agreed! Linn is a true local hero, and here's hoping that Van Dijs is his second coming.
D.Peeve
· 1 year ago
It's been a pleasure to watch the Fourth Street Revival over the past decade. I always thought the Art had a tricky, tenuous connection to the rest of the street--the awkward older friend of the group that everyone thinks is cool without knowing why, other than being quirkily old. Though it is distinctly retro, I don't think it ever drove the revival--I think Portfolio gets the nod.
Speaking as a former resident of the area: back in the 80s the "real" imaginary permanent neighborhood boundary was Cherry, and I think it remains so today--if Van Dijs can bridge that, he will have pulled off something special. I hope he can do it, but I think he'll have a tricky balancing act to perform, scrubbing off just enough downscale demographics to do so without stretching the street into a stillborn pretender to its current fecund soul. Fourth Street is no longer fragile, but it's still a very subtle thing.
Dave in Alamitos Beach
· 1 year ago
Linn & Van Dijs are what this area is all about, and thanks to Suja and co. for letting them proceed with their visions.
Not to digress too much, but I hope that Retro Row can expand west to the businesses just west of Walnut. It makes sense to me and it would be a wonderful thing for the neighborhood. I wonder if the few remaining houses (one or two?) between Cherry and Walnut are zoned for businesses? That would be helpful.
And the only real eyesore in the neighborhood is the godawful strip mall on the Northwest corner of Cherry and Fourth. Can it be torn down, because it's not worthy of retrofitting. I'm sure Van Dijs could think of something brilliant for that spot. Heck, even an appropriate looking Trader Joe's would be welcome. And what are the plans for the Southeast corner, i.e. the perpetual empty lot? Can the city buy it for a mini-park?
I think Retro Row needs a used music store. I know they're not super-profitable but I think it would blend in well with the Art Theatre and the patrons who frequent the area.
See, ideas are alive and well and if I can think of this stuff, more visionary people than me must have far grander ideas.
lp
· 1 year ago
I am glad this building is staying, and to be fixed up is even better.
an idea: because of the parking problems in this area, install some sort of huge bike rack to promote walking or riding the bus/bike to the area. Maybe, make it some sort of piece to fit the Art Deco theme, yet big enough to lock up many bikes and strong/safe enough to prevent any bike thefts.
Gunther
· 1 year ago
Van Dijs. You can count my girl and i in for supporting the theater. Thanks for having the vision to keep the things that make long beach going successful. I'll definitely help spread the word as well.
I like the ideas being shared here and i've echoed the same thoughts in the past. that empty corner, great possible park location. developers probably can't make it make sense anyways. push the city for that, it would provide a great connector that the neighborhood needs. bike racks, I also back that. long beach needs to wake up and smell the pedal power that exists in this city.
abareetbarp
· 1 year ago
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
All Comments
Speaking as a former resident of the area: back in the 80s the "real" imaginary permanent neighborhood boundary was Cherry, and I think it remains so today--if Van Dijs can bridge that, he will have pulled off something special. I hope he can do it, but I think he'll have a tricky balancing act to perform, scrubbing off just enough downscale demographics to do so without stretching the street into a stillborn pretender to its current fecund soul. Fourth Street is no longer fragile, but it's still a very subtle thing.
Not to digress too much, but I hope that Retro Row can expand west to the businesses just west of Walnut. It makes sense to me and it would be a wonderful thing for the neighborhood. I wonder if the few remaining houses (one or two?) between Cherry and Walnut are zoned for businesses? That would be helpful.
And the only real eyesore in the neighborhood is the godawful strip mall on the Northwest corner of Cherry and Fourth. Can it be torn down, because it's not worthy of retrofitting. I'm sure Van Dijs could think of something brilliant for that spot. Heck, even an appropriate looking Trader Joe's would be welcome. And what are the plans for the Southeast corner, i.e. the perpetual empty lot? Can the city buy it for a mini-park?
I think Retro Row needs a used music store. I know they're not super-profitable but I think it would blend in well with the Art Theatre and the patrons who frequent the area.
See, ideas are alive and well and if I can think of this stuff, more visionary people than me must have far grander ideas.
an idea: because of the parking problems in this area, install some sort of huge bike rack to promote walking or riding the bus/bike to the area. Maybe, make it some sort of piece to fit the Art Deco theme, yet big enough to lock up many bikes and strong/safe enough to prevent any bike thefts.
I like the ideas being shared here and i've echoed the same thoughts in the past. that empty corner, great possible park location. developers probably can't make it make sense anyways. push the city for that, it would provide a great connector that the neighborhood needs. bike racks, I also back that. long beach needs to wake up and smell the pedal power that exists in this city.