Preservationists’ Options for Acres

With no date yet set for the day that doom will come to Acres of Books, Long Beach preservationists—and would-be preservationists—have an opportunity to consolidate opinion. This is notable in the fast-paced world of razing beloved historic structures—Johnie’s Broiler Bulldoze might be the most egregious recent example—and time spent now could buy Acres time later. Names and numbers for now and later:

LONG BEACH CITY Express sentiment directly by contacting the city officials at the Redevelopment Agency (who are buying property adjacent to Acres in preparation for demolition) and the Planning Bureau. Patrick West, the director of Community Development and the executive director at the Redevelopment Agency, is at (562) 570-6570 and patrick_west@longbeach.gov; and Greg Carpenter, Planning Bureau manager, is at (562) 570-6896 and greg_carpenter@longbeach.gov. And consider contacting Jan Ostashay, Long Beach’s Historic Preservation Officer, who sits on the Cultural Heritage Commission—the agency with the first chance to yea or nay the Acres demolition permit. She’s at (562) 570-6864 or jan_ostashay@longbeach.gov. There’s also an online petition to save Acres: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/acresofbooks/index.html.

LONG BEACH HERITAGE The nonprofit advocacy organization instrumental in securing support for the protection of Long Beach’s remaining landmarks, from Craftsman homes to deco commercial to the dwindling downtown hotels. Contact Long Beach Heritage about volunteer work or membership at preservation@lbheritage.org or visit the site at lbheritage.org, or call (562) 493-7019.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH Reinforcement and resources for local preservation—since the Historical Society is so small, says Office and Archives Manager Amy Luke, volunteers get immediate experience in collections and preservations projects. For information: hslb@historicalsocietylb.org, or call (562) 495-1210.

THE LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY And particularly the Modern Committee, who concentrate on the preservation of post-war architecture. While Acres falls under the jurisdiction of the LA Conservancy proper, Long Beach has a considerable amount of post-war structures that need protection, too. Both sites (modcom.org and laconservancy.org) maintain action-alert lists to mobilize members when demolition is imminent, and both organizations keep an eye on structures all across southern California. Further contact and membership options available online, or call (213) 623-CITY.

Tags: acres of books, downtown, Long Beach, preservation, redevelopment