Councilmember Suja Lowenthal will lead a celebration of the construction of a 104-unit downtown housing development Thursday at 11:00 am.  The E. 3rd Street development will include 13,550 square feet of first-floor retail space, and be completed by 2009.  A leasing office will open in the summer of 2008.

The mixed-use complex will encompass 1.47 acres with 104 loft-style apartment units and 402 parking stalls.  Located on two parcels, the site is on the north portion of the block bounded by 3rd St., The Promenade, Long Beach Blvd. and Broadway. Amenities will include a pool, spa and fitness room atop a seven-level parking structure, a business center, and outdoor fireplace and barbeque areas.

The public is invited to join Lowenthal in the celebration, a manifestation of her vision to provide residents with affordable, adequate housing in the heart of the bustling downtown district.

“Given its close proximity to the Metro rail and the downtown core, this project will be a wonderful addition for our residents and businesses,” said Councilmember Lowenthal.

The units will be walking distance from the Metro rail and City Place shopping center, and has been developed by Lyon Realty Advisors in conjunction with Long Beach Redevelopment.